1. Typical Timeframes for SSDI Reviews

While the average SSDI review in New Hampshire takes 3 to 6 months, your case could be shorter or longer depending on several factors:

• Simple, straightforward cases – If your medical evidence clearly supports continued disability and your records are current, the process could be completed in as little as 1 to 3 months.
• Moderate cases – Most reviews fall here, taking around 4 to 6 months.
• Complex cases – If your condition has improved, medical evidence is incomplete, or additional assessments are needed, reviews can stretch to 8 months or more.

2. The SSDI Review Process in Detail

Here’s what usually happens during a CDR in New Hampshire:

1. Initial Notification – You’ll receive a letter from the SSA explaining that your case is under review.
2. Disability Update Report (Form SSA-455) – For some beneficiaries, the SSA requests this short form to gather recent medical and work updates.
3. Comprehensive Medical Review – If more details are needed, you may be asked to complete a longer form and provide authorization for SSA to request medical records from your healthcare providers.
4. Consultative Examination (if needed) – If existing records aren’t sufficient, the SSA may schedule you for an exam with an independent doctor.
5. SSA Determination – Once evidence is reviewed, SSA will decide whether your disability still qualifies for benefits.

3. Factors That Can Affect Your Review Timeline

Several issues can slow down or speed up the review:

• Speed of Medical Record Submission – If your doctors send records quickly, your review may move faster.
• Your Response Time – Delays often happen when beneficiaries take weeks to return SSA forms.
• Local Office Workload – New Hampshire’s SSA field offices in places like Concord, Manchester, and Nashua may face higher case volumes at certain times.
• Need for Additional Testing – If a consultative exam is required, scheduling and processing results can add weeks to months to your review.
• Type of Review – “Medical Improvement Expected” cases are reviewed more often and can be quicker; “Medical Improvement Not Expected” cases happen less often but may involve more thorough evaluation.

4. Tips to Avoid Delays

To help keep your SSDI review on track:

• Stay consistent with your medical care – Gaps in treatment can create questions about your disability status.
• Keep your records updated – Inform SSA of any changes in doctors, treatments, or contact information.
• Respond quickly to SSA requests – Ideally within a few days, not weeks.
• Organize your documentation – Keep copies of test results, prescriptions, and treatment summaries handy.
• Work with a representative – An experienced SSDI attorney can handle paperwork, follow up with SSA, and ensure deadlines are met.

5. What Happens If Your Review Is Delayed

If your review is taking longer than expected, you typically continue receiving benefits until a decision is made. However, if the SSA determines you are no longer disabled and you appeal within 10 days, your benefits may continue during the appeal period.