How long does a medical CDR take after getting SSDI trial work month notice?

These Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) typically take 3-5 months, but it can vary depending on your state's DDS backlog. Since they've already determined you haven't used any Trial Work Period months (meaning you're earning under the TWP amount, which is $1,110/month for 2025), this is probably just a scheduled medical review, not triggered by your work activity. You should gather recent medical records from all your providers and be prepared to complete forms about your current symptoms and limitations. They may also schedule a consultative exam with one of their doctors.

OMG THESE TAKE FOREVER!!! I've been waiting SEVEN MONTHS on my CDR and still nothing!!! Every time I call they just say "still processing" and hang up on me after waiting for 2+ hours. The whole system is designed to make you give up. Don't expect anything soon - they're probably hoping you'll magically get better while you wait.

my review took about 4 months last year. not too bad. just make sure you return all the paperwork they send you right away. they'll ask about your daily activities and stuff

I went through this last year after starting some very part-time work. The letter is actually good news - they're confirming you haven't used any Trial Work Period months! That means your earnings are below the TWP threshold ($1,110/month for 2025) and your SSDI benefits are safe. The medical review is likely just a coincidence - they do these every 3-7 years depending on your condition. For me, the timeline was: - Received notice: January - Forms to complete: February - Consultative exam: April - Decision: May So about 4 months total. But I was having a terrible time reaching anyone at SSA by phone - constant busy signals or disconnects after waiting forever. I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent in under 10 minutes. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Saved me tons of stress during the review process since I could actually ask questions about what was happening. Definitely worth it for peace of mind!

One important thing to understand is that there are different types of reviews. A full medical CDR is more involved than a mailer review. Based on your letter, you're getting a full medical review where they reassess if you still meet the disability criteria. Typical timeframes in my experience: - Short form mailer: 2-3 months - Full medical CDR: 4-6 months - CDRs with complications: 6-12+ months Factors that can extend the timeline include: 1. Difficulty obtaining medical records 2. Need for consultative exams 3. Backlogs at your state's DDS office 4. Complexity of your medical condition The process typically involves: - Initial notification (what you received) - Forms to complete about your condition and activities - Medical records collection - Possible consultative exam - Medical review by DDS - Decision My recommendation is to be proactive - gather your medical records, keep a journal of your symptoms, and document how your condition limits your activities. This information will be valuable when completing their forms.

Is anyone else confused about why they're doing a medical review if they already determined you haven't used trial work months? I thought these were separate things. When I started working part-time with my SSDI, they just monitored my earnings but didn't do a medical review until 5 years after I was first approved. The whole system is so confusing!!

Thanks everyone for your responses! I'm feeling a bit better understanding that this might just be a routine review. I've been gathering my medical records and making notes about how my condition affects me daily. One more question - does anyone know if they typically notify you before sending you to one of their doctors for an exam?

Has anyone successfully challenged a CDR decision? My cousin was cut off even though his condition was the same, and it took him nearly 2 years to get benefits reinstated with backpay. The whole time he couldn't work OR get benefits! What a nightmare system.

dont stress abt it too much mine took like 5 months n then i got a letter saying nothing changed. they just do these reviews to scare ppl tbh