CDR question

[LMB]

In August I received a CDR long form to fill out which I sent in August 30. I have been on SSDI since 2002 and this was my first CDR. I am wondering how long does it take to get a determination after sending it in? I actually have more problems now than I did in 2002, having developed Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2006 on top of everything else. I am anxious about having my benefits stopped because it seems that anything that can go wrong in my life lately, will. Also, I am 52 and do work 15 hours/ week for my sister's business doing very light office work. Will either of these things help or hinder the outcome? I lay awake at night worrying about it.. Thanks for any input..

[countrygirl]

I myself received a letter for the first time since beginning my disability that I will not be reviewed at this time. Don't ask me why, cause I'm just counting my blessings. They only said they didn't need to review me right now and my benefits will continue.

My first question for you is did you tell them you were working those hours? Are you paying taxes or your sister deducting them from your pay? If not, myself again and just my opinion, I wouldn't have told them. What I can do for an hour or so here and there is not a fact that I could do it 8 hours a day, five days a week.

My second is, if you explained to them that your condtion has not improved and have the documents to back you up, then you shouldn't have any problems. Did your doctor write it up that you have new ailments? Make sure you get good documentation in all your records backing up your claim for disability. Those are the most important of all.

[peaches]

I disagree with Countrygirl about not telling SSA about the little bit of work that LMB is doing. If LMB already lies awake at night worrying about whether or not her benefits will continue, I would guess she would also worry regularly about whether or not SSA was going to 'catch' her in making a false statement.

There are work incentives rules, one of which is the 'trial work period'. If a person works the trial work period but does not earn enough money to be considered performing substantial gainful activity (currently around $900 a month, will increase in 2008), then benefits are not ceased because of work. If a claimant's medical condition has not shown significant improvement, then benefits are not ceased because of medical recovery.

Can't guarantee that LMB will not be ceased (can't really do that for anyone, even a blind person in a wheelchair) but the odds are in her favor that benefits will continue. Actually, there are a significant number of termination of benefits due to failure to cooperate. Some claimants don't bother submitting paperwork timely, don't show up for scheduled consultative exams, don't bother showing up for reconsideration hearings or ALJ hearings. So, the small number of cessation of benefit cases include those failure to cooperate denials. That indicates that if you respond to SSA's requests, are thorough and honest, it is even more likely that benefits will continue if you do not have significant improvement in your medical condition.

[countrygirl]

Peaches, I agree that lying is not right and I didn't mean to suggest otherwise, but sometimes with the hell of getting the ssd in the first place it makes you so leery of them. I wish I could work and get off this train, but it's impossible and I envy anyone that can work.

Thanks for slapping my hand, lol.;)

[LMB]

Thank you for your replies thus far. Sometimes I feel like I am on a lonely island and don't know where to get answers. I truly appreciate yours.
Yes, of course, I told SS I was trying to work. I don't make anywhere close to the trial work $$ limit. Since this work is for my sister, she understands all my problems, limitations, etc. I can go when I feel up to it, leave when I have to, take breaks whenever I need to, do what I can. I could not do this anywhere else. So I am lucky in that respect.
Can anyone tell me about how long it takes to get a decision on the CDR? Is there a time frame for decisions?

[LMB]

The Saturday before Christmas, I received my letter from SSA stating that my disability is continuing. It was a BIG relief to get this letter but a bit sad to see those words in print! Sometimes it just hits like a ton of bricks when I realize what my life has become!
So to answer the question I asked earlier about length of time for a CDR-- I received my notice of a CDR on August 23, I filled out the first set of papers (long form) and sent them back the end of August. I received a phone call from the Social Security office in early November, I was then sent a questionare in mid November on daily activities and one on how my pain affects my life. So from the first notice to the final letter was 4 months. This was my first CDR and I have been receiving benefits for 5 years.
I'm very glad it's over with, it's been a very stressful 4 months wondering if benfits would continue. I have developed other health problems since my initial approval and still have the problems I had when I first applied but you just never know what will happen.

[HeyJoe]

im glad that everything worked out well for you in the long run......what a wringer they put you through.....if it was me ( i hope it never is) i would have been very worried also. Lets hope its another 5 years before you hear from them again.