A CDR is a checkup on whether your condition still meets the disability rules. Most people get the short Disability Update Report, Form SSA-455. A longer review uses Form SSA-454-BK. Return the form by the date in your letter. If you send nothing, Social Security may stop payments.
What happened
A letter came from Social Security. It says your case is up for review. This is a continuing disability review, or CDR. A form came with the letter. It asks about your doctors, your care, and any work. This is a checkup, not a decision.
What usually applies
Two forms show up in these reviews. The short one is the Disability Update Report, Form SSA-455. It asks a few questions about your health and any work. The longer one is Form SSA-454-BK. It asks for much more detail. The cover letter for the short form asks you to send it back within 10 days. If Social Security does not hear from you in that time, it will reach out again. If you never send the facts, and never say why you cannot, Social Security may stop your payments. It sends another letter first. Social Security decides the case.
“We mail the Disability Update Report, or Form SSA-455, to disabled beneficiaries to obtain updated information about their medical conditions and recent treatments.”
“The SSA-454-BK (Continuing Disability Review Report) collects information necessary for a CDR and expedited reinstatement (EXR) case.”
“You should return the form within 10 days after you receive it. If we do not hear from you in that time, we will contact you again.”
“If you don't give us the information we need or tell us why you cannot give us the information, we may stop your benefits. Before we stop your benefits, we will send you another letter to tell you what we plan to do.”
What to do
- 1
Check which form came
Look at the top of the form. The short mailer is the SSA-455. The long booklet is the SSA-454-BK.
- 2
Write down the date on your letter
The cover letter for the short form asks for it back within 10 days. Your own letter carries the date that counts.
- 3
Gather your doctors, dates, and any work
List each clinic and the dates you went. Add phone numbers. Add any work you did.
- 4
Send it back and keep proof
Use the envelope they sent, or file it online. Keep a copy and any tracking number.
- 5
Do not let it sit
If nothing comes back, Social Security may stop your payments. It sends a warning letter first.
Call Social Security if the form confuses you or the date has passed. If a later letter says payments will stop, that letter explains how to appeal. It also explains how to ask that payments keep coming while you appeal. Legal aid offices and your local 211 line help for free.
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Sources
- Social Security Administration, Frequently Asked Questions KA-10045Retrieved 2026-07-31
- Social Security Administration, Program Operations Manual System (POMS) DI 13005.040Retrieved 2026-07-31
- Social Security Administration, Program Operations Manual System (POMS) DI 13004.025 (Cover Notice Exhibit)Retrieved 2026-07-31
Last reviewed 2026-07-31