Each year, Social Security sends out the Disability Update Report (SSA-455-OCR-SM) to decide if they will submit a Continuing Disability Review for an individual. The Disability Update Report is not a medical review, but instead is the report before, which will determine if Social Security chooses one to complete a medical review in any given year. 

This report is simple and should take less than ten minutes to complete. If one is preparing to fill out a report, consider following these tips to prepare for passing the Disability Update Report.

Be Truthful

It would be best to answer all questions on the report honestly and truthfully. It is a part of Social Security’s process to cross-reference this report with any recorded occupation history from the IRS and bank account history. Answer all questions on the report as truthfully as possible, and there will be no issues in passing with flying colors.

Do Not Get Too Stressed

This report is simple, and people typically tend to pass with no issues and no need for further review when submitting the form. Be sure to take care of yourself and stay calm – this is normal, and you are not alone. You will not lose your benefits based on your answers from this form alone. 

Social Security understands that mistakes happen and no one is perfect. There will be no penalty if any answers happen to be answered incorrectly due to confusion or misspelling. There is plenty of time to answer all questions correctly, and as long as all answers are given truthfully, this report will be easy to complete and pass. 

Addressing The “Reason For Doctor’s Visit” Question

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Some individuals tend to get caught up in this question, but like all the others, stay truthful, and it will be okay. A computer processes this report intake form, and Social Security is not expecting one right answer from this open-ended question. 

Utilize The Profile Code

By now, Social Security has most likely provided all qualifying individuals with a profile code and have deemed codes low, medium or high. Depending on the ranking, a person can quickly determine if their intake report will be short-form or a Continuing Disability Report (SSA-454-BK), which has a longer review process, including a medical review.

How Long Will It Take To Hear Back?

The amount of time it takes to receive feedback regarding a Disability Update Report varies by person and may also now be delayed due to COVID-19. It also depends on how long it takes for an agency to retrieve medical records if need be.

Be sure to stay patient, and know that this has nothing to do with a report’s clearing process. It merely takes time to review all beneficiaries’ reports, and all will be seen and approved promptly.

If you are filling out your Disability Update Report and need assistance, or if you have any questions about legal representation, please contact Disability Associates today. You can visit us on our website here, or you can give us a call at 410.686.2227.