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Receiving a notice that Social Security is reviewing your disability benefits can raise difficult questions: Why am I being reviewed? What if my condition has improved but I still cannot work? What happens if my benefits are stopped? In this remastered audio edition of Disability Talk Live with Anthony Reeves, originally recorded February 15, 2017, I discuss Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) and answer questions from a live audience. Topics include: • Medical improvement and the ability to return to work • How new medical conditions factor into a review • Medical treatment and supporting records • Appealing a decision to discontinue benefits • Continuing payments during an appeal and potential repayment • Working and self-employment while receiving disability benefits This episode preserves a discussion recorded while I was a practicing attorney, now available as a companion podcast for listeners who prefer audio. ARCHIVAL NOTE: This recording has been remastered, but its content has not been updated. Dollar amounts, rules, deadlines, and processing estimates discussed reflect the original 2017 presentation and may be outdated. Confirm current requirements with Social Security at SSA.gov. This episode provides general educational information, not individualized legal advice. Follow the podcast for more conversations about the Social Security disability process, and share this episode with someone interested in understanding Continuing Disability Reviews.

Applying for Social Security disability can leave you wondering: What happens next—and what can you do if you’re denied? In this companion audio edition of “Walking You Through the Social Security Disability Process,” Anthony Reeves explains the journey from an initial application through hearings, decisions, and further appeals. Originally broadcast live on January 25, 2015, this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today explores: • What to consider before applying • Choosing a representative • Why claims take time and requests for expedited processing • Disability forms, medical records, and supporting evidence • Understanding denials and preparing appeals • What to expect at a disability hearing • Post-hearing status updates and favorable decisions • Appeals Council review, federal court, and new applications This approximately 50-minute episode is the audio companion to the remastered video. References to slides and on-screen material remain in the recording. ARCHIVE NOTE: This episode preserves a 2015 discussion; remastering does not update its content. Rules, procedures, wait times, and statistics discussed may be outdated or inaccurate. References to legal services reflect the original broadcast and are not a current offer of representation. For general education only, not individualized legal advice. Follow Q&A Social Security Disability Today for more plain-language explanations, and share this episode with someone trying to understand the process.

This remastered podcast episode is based on a Social Security Disability Today Q&A originally posted on March 16, 2017. In this episode, Tony Reeves explains what you should do if you disagree with the need for a representative payee. The key takeaway is simple: SSA decides whether a representative payee is necessary, but you can ask what information is needed to show that you are capable of managing your own benefits. If SSA says your evidence is not enough, ask what else is required and keep moving the process forward.   Listen, share, and follow the podcast for more remastered Social Security Disability Q&A episodes designed to help you better understand the process, your responsibilities, and the questions you should be asking.

This remastered podcast episode comes from the original Q&A Social Security Disability Today video posted on January 7, 2014. In this episode, I break down whether a person receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits can serve as their own payee. I explain why Social Security may appoint a representative payee, what kinds of concerns may lead to that decision, and how a person may be able to show that they are capable of managing their own money. This conversation is especially important for anyone who has been told they may need a representative payee, or anyone trying to understand how Social Security evaluates financial responsibility when disability benefits are involved. Listen to this remastered Q&A episode, share it with someone navigating Social Security Disability benefits, and follow the podcast for more practical conversations about the disability process.

In this remastered companion podcast episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today, originally posted on February 27, 2013, Attorney Anthony Reeves explains what may happen when Social Security requires a disability beneficiary to have a representative payee. The discussion covers why SSA may believe a payee is necessary, what kinds of concerns may lead to that decision, and why the agency focuses on making sure disability benefits are properly used for the beneficiary’s needs. Attorney Reeves also explains that a beneficiary may be able to dispute the need for a payee, including by speaking with SSA and possibly providing medical evidence that supports the ability to manage benefits independently. This remastered episode is especially helpful for individuals who feel frustrated, embarrassed, or confused after being told they need someone else to manage their Social Security disability payments. Originally posted: February 27, 2013 Remastered for the Q&A Social Security Disability Today archive.

This remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today was originally posted on January 14, 2013. In this episode, Attorney Anthony Reeves discusses the responsibilities of a representative payee in Social Security Disability cases. A representative payee may be appointed when Social Security determines that a beneficiary, including a child or an adult with certain limitations, should not manage their own disability benefits. The episode explains that serving as a representative payee means accepting responsibility for handling federal funds on behalf of another person. The money must be used for the claimant’s benefit, and the representative payee may need to keep records, track expenses, maintain receipts, and be prepared to explain how the money was spent. Attorney Reeves also cautions that representative payees should ask Social Security what is required before accepting the role and should not accept the responsibility if they are uncomfortable with the duties involved. Originally posted: January 14, 2013 This is a remastered episode. Call to Action: To watch the companion video version of this episode, visit the Q&A Social Security Disability Today YouTube channel. Subscribe or follow for more remastered Social Security Disability question-and-answer episodes.This remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today was originally posted on January 14, 2013.

Originally posted on July 17, 2023, this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today revisits a critical issue for many disability claimants: what happens after a judge denies your Social Security Disability case? Tony Reeves breaks down the difficult decision many people face after an Administrative Law Judge denial: whether to appeal the decision or start over with a new application. He explains why starting over may affect your ability to recover back pay, what the Appeals Council reviews, and why simply disagreeing with the judge may not be enough. This episode also highlights the importance of understanding the reason for the denial and recognizing when you may need help identifying whether the judge made a legal error. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Podcast CTA to Companion YouTube Video Want to watch the remastered companion video and explore more Social Security Disability Q&A content? Visit the Reeves Firm Disability Law YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ReevesfirmDisabilityLaw

This is remastered Q&A content originally published on December 2, 2013, from Social Security Disability Today. In this episode, Tony Reeves answers a common and important question: if you are awarded SSDI because of a mental health condition, does that mean you have been legally adjudicated as mentally ill? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.  Tony explains that a Social Security disability decision is focused on whether your condition prevents you from working under Social Security’s rules. The judge is not issuing a broad legal declaration about your mental health status. Instead, the decision is based on the severity of your impairment, the medical evidence, and whether that impairment limits your ability to perform past work or other work.  This episode is especially helpful for claimants who want to understand what a favorable disability decision does—and does not—mean.  Educational content only. Not legal advice.

In this remastered audio edition of Social Security Disability Today, Tony Reeves explains how Social Security Disability back pay is calculated and why the answer is not always simple. Many claimants want to know how much money they may receive if approved, but back pay depends on key details such as the disability onset date, application date, benefit type, and whether the case involves SSI or SSDI. Tony walks through practical examples showing how SSI and SSDI back pay work differently, why SSDI includes a five-month waiting period, and why other benefits or resources may affect the final amount.  This episode is especially helpful for anyone trying to understand why representatives often avoid giving exact back pay estimates before a case is approved.  Originally published January 9, 2017 as part of Social Security Disability Today. This remastered version is presented for today’s audience as part of Tony Reeves’ continuing legal education and disability survival content.

In this remastered Social Security Disability Q&A episode originally published on September 26, 2013, Tony Reeves discusses how retirement pay may affect Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. A viewer asks whether receiving a pension and service-connected VA disability benefits will interfere with filing for SSDI or reduce the amount received after approval. Tony breaks down the difference between VA disability benefits, private retirement pay, and government pensions, explaining why the source of the retirement income matters.  This episode offers a practical overview for anyone trying to understand how pension income, government retirement benefits, and SSDI may interact.  Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace legal advice for your individual situation.

In this remastered Social Security Disability Today Q&A episode, originally published on December 28, 2013, Tony Reeves revisits an important question for disability claimants and beneficiaries: Do you have the right to be your own payee? Tony breaks down what a representative payee is, why Social Security may assign one, and what factors may raise concerns about a person’s ability to manage their own disability or SSI benefits. He also explains that needing a payee is not always permanent, and that individuals may have the opportunity to show Social Security they can manage their own financial affairs. This episode is a practical, plain-language explanation for anyone trying to understand how Social Security views benefit management, financial independence, and representative payee decisions.  Remastered from the original December 28, 2013 Q&A video.

In this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today, originally published on November 4, 2012, Attorney Anthony Reeves answers a question about Continuing Disability Reviews and bipolar disorder. The key point: Social Security is not focused only on the name of your condition. Whether the diagnosis is bipolar disorder or another medical or mental health condition, the main question during a Continuing Disability Review is whether your condition has improved enough for you to return to work. Attorney Reeves explains why ongoing treatment matters, how Social Security compares your current medical condition to your condition at the time you were found disabled, and why mental health conditions can be especially complicated because symptoms may fluctuate over time. This remastered Q&A is part of the Social Security Disability Today archive and is provided for educational purposes.  Original publish date: November 4, 2012 Remastered release: May 24, 2026

In this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today, originally published on March 20, 2013, Attorney Anthony Reeves answers a question that can catch disability claimants completely off guard: Can the Appeals Council overturn a fully favorable Social Security disability decision? Tony explains how the Appeals Council operates, why it may review an Administrative Law Judge’s favorable decision on its own, and what can happen if the case is sent back for further review. He also breaks down the risk of benefits being stopped, the possibility of repayment, and why it is important to understand the specific issue the Appeals Council identified.  Remastered Date: May 18, 2026 This episode is part of the remastered Q&A Social Security Disability Today archive and is intended for educational and informational purposes. Because disability procedures can change over time, listeners should seek updated guidance for their individual situation.

Originally published on January 10, 2013, this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today addresses an important question that continues to concern many disability claimants: Is there a bias against individuals with mental health conditions in the Social Security Disability process? In this episode, Attorney Anthony Reeves explains why Social Security does not evaluate disability claims based on appearances or public opinion. Instead, the agency focuses on medical evidence, treatment history, medications, hospitalizations, and testimony from the claimant and others who know them. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric illnesses can be just as disabling as physical impairments—even when the symptoms are not immediately visible to others. Topics discussed include: - How Social Security evaluates mental health claims - Why medical treatment records are critical - The role of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists - Substance use and its impact on disability cases - Why invisible illnesses should be taken seriously If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on a mental health condition, this remastered archival episode provides timeless guidance and reassurance. Originally Published: January 10, 2013 Remastered and Re-Released: May 10, 2026 Attorney Anthony Reeves Q&A Social Security Disability Today #SocialSecurityDisability #MentalHealthDisability #SSDI #SSI #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Schizophrenia #InvisibleDisabilities #AttorneyAnthonyReeves #DisabilityLaw

This is a remastered version of a classic Q&A from Q&A Social Security Disability Today, originally published on June 16, 2012, featuring Attorney Anthony Reeves. One of the most common questions in the disability process is: 👉 “How long will my appeal take before I receive a decision?” In this video, I break down the real truth behind Social Security Disability appeal timelines—something many claimants struggle to understand. ⚖️ Key Insights Covered:Why there is NO required timeline for Social Security to issue a decision  What your representative really means when they say “we have to wait”  Typical wait times at each level:Initial / Local Office: ~2–6 months  Hearing Level: ~1 year or more  Appeals Council: ~1–2 years  Why switching representatives won’t speed up your caseHow case volume and system structure impact delaysWhat happens when your case becomes significantly delayed💡 If you’ve ever felt like your case is taking too long or that no one is giving you a straight answer—this video explains why that is the reality of the system.