How often will my disability claim be reviewed ?

How to prove you are disabled
and win disability benefits

Social Security disability claims are reviewed according to the medical review diary date. There are three types of medical review diary dates that determine how often a social security disability claim or SSI disability claim will be reviewed. Most disability claims have a medical improvement possible diary date, meaning that they will be reviewed every three years.

Additionally, there are some disability claims where medical improvement is expected and these individuals may be reviewed in less than three years.

Lastly, there are some disability beneficiaries who have a permanent diary, which extends the medical review diary date at least seven years into the future.

In general, individuals who are under fifty-five will be reviewed every three years not matter what the medical or psychological impairment.

Remember, though, that some continuing disability reviews are triggered by an individual’s work activity, because the ability to engage in work activity that provides substantial and gainful income may indicate medical improvement.

Return to: SSDRC, or the Questions, Answers, Tips, and Advice page

Individual Questions and Answers

What is the process to file a Social Security Disability appeal?

How does back pay for Social Security disability work ?

If I Get Denied Twice For Disability, What Do I Do?

How to Apply for Disability, What medical conditions can you apply for disability for ?

Social Security Disability Hearing-How Do I Request One?

Can you get temporary Social Security disability or SSI benefits ?

Applying for disability benefits in Illinois

Submitting a Social Security Disability Appeal is usually Good Advice

How much does Social Security pay in disability benefits ?

How should I prepare for a disability hearing with Social Security ?

If my medical condition keeps me from working will I get Social Security disability ?

What is a Social Security Disability SSI Durational Denial?

What conditions do they Award Disability Benefits for?

Are There Social Security Disability Guidelines For How Disabled You Have to Be?

Social Security Disability Back pay and How Long it Takes to Qualify for it

Is Social Security required to make a decision on a disability case in a certain time period?

What Does Social Security Include As Your Past Work?

When do you see a judge for a social security disability or SSI claim?

What is the Process to be Approved for SSD or SSI Disability Benefits?

How are medical records and work history used to determine a social security disability claim?

Hiring a Qualified Disability Lawyer in Kansas

Can an individual qualify for Social Security disability or SSI on the basis of anxiety or panic attacks ?

Lupus, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits

If I get disability, will they look at my case later?

Winning Social Security Disability Benefits For Mental Disorders

SSD and SSI are Federal Programs

The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here:

Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state

Special Section: Disability Lawyers and unnecessary claim denials