The CDR Disability Hearing Officer Conference

The CDR Disability Hearing Officer conference is an administrative hearing available when you appeal an initial medical cessation of your SSDI benefits. Under 20 CFR 404.914, this hearing takes place during the reconsideration stage, giving you an opportunity to present testimony and additional evidence to a disability hearing officer.

Receiving a notice that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has determined that your disability ended can be stressful. An initial medical cessation, however, may be appealed. The Disability Hearing Officer (DHO) proceeding gives beneficiaries an opportunity to explain their limitations and submit evidence before the reconsidered determination is issued.

Why Medical Cessations Include a Face-to-Face Hearing

A reconsideration of an initial disability application denial generally involves a review of the written record rather than a hearing with the claimant.

Medical cessations resulting from a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) follow different reconsideration procedures. Under 20 CFR 404.914, a claimant appealing a medical cessation may receive a disability hearing as part of reconsideration. This procedure provides an opportunity to review the evidence, submit additional information, testify, and respond to the reasons SSA found that disability ended.

DHO Conference Versus an Administrative Law Judge Hearing

It is essential to distinguish between a DHO proceeding and an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. Although both may involve testimony, they occur at different appeal levels and are conducted by different decision-makers.

The DHO proceeding takes place at the reconsideration level and is generally handled through the state Disability Determination Services (DDS). The hearing officer is not an ALJ. The proceeding is intended to give the claimant a reasonable opportunity to present evidence and arguments concerning the medical cessation. An ALJ hearing under 20 CFR 404.929 occurs only after an unfavorable reconsidered determination and is conducted within SSA's administrative hearing system.

Who the Disability Hearing Officer Is Under 20 CFR 404.915

Under 20 CFR 404.915, the disability hearing officer must not have participated in making the initial determination that your disability ended.

The DHO reviews the evidence and issues a reconsidered determination under SSA's disability rules. The officer's role is to evaluate the record developed during the CDR, any additional evidence, and the information presented at the hearing rather than merely adopt the earlier cessation determination.

Requesting Reconsideration and Electing Benefit Continuation

When SSA issues an initial cessation determination, it sends a written notice explaining the decision and the available appeal rights. Under the rules in effect in 2026, you generally have 60 days after receiving the notice to request reconsideration. Form SSA-789, Request for Reconsideration, Disability Cessation Right to Appear, is used for this type of appeal.

A shorter deadline applies if you want benefits to continue during the appeal. Under the rules in effect in 2026, you generally must request continued benefits within 10 days after receiving the cessation notice. Continued benefits pending appeal are governed by 20 CFR 404.1597a. If the cessation is ultimately upheld, SSA may treat continued payments as an overpayment, although separate waiver and appeal rights may be available.

Advance Notice and Scheduling

After the reconsideration request is processed, the agency responsible for the disability hearing provides information about the proceeding, including when and how it will occur. The format may depend on SSA procedures, available technology, and the circumstances of the case.

If you cannot participate as scheduled because of a medical problem, transportation difficulty, or another serious circumstance, contact the office identified in the notice promptly. You may request a change, but whether the proceeding is rescheduled depends on the applicable rules and the facts supporting the request.

Reviewing the Evidence Folder Before the Conference

Under 20 CFR 404.916, a claimant must receive a reasonable opportunity to review the evidence in the file before the disability hearing. Reviewing the medical records, agency assessments, and other exhibits can help you identify missing or inaccurate information.

Examine the records from the comparison point decision, the most recent favorable medical decision used as the baseline for the CDR, and compare them with the evidence gathered during the current review. SSA's disability-hearing procedures permit claimants to submit additional medical records and other relevant evidence. Send important evidence as early as possible and retain proof of submission.

What Happens During the Conference

The DHO proceeding is less formal than an ALJ hearing. The hearing officer identifies the issues, reviews the evidence, and gives you an opportunity to explain why you believe your disability continues.

The central issue is generally whether your disability continues under the medical-improvement standard in 20 CFR 404.1594. The DHO may ask about your treatment, symptoms, daily activities, functional limitations, and ability to work. Under 20 CFR 404.1705, you may appoint a qualified attorney or eligible non-attorney representative to assist you.

Presenting Testimony and Witness Statements

During the proceeding, the DHO may ask about your daily activities, functional limitations, medical treatment, symptoms, and changes since the comparison point decision. Answer clearly and accurately, and explain how your impairments affect your functioning over time.

Useful testimony may address how often you need breaks, how long you can sit or stand, how far you can walk, whether you require assistance with daily tasks, and whether treatment causes significant side effects. SSA's disability-hearing procedures also allow relevant information from other people. Family members, caregivers, or others familiar with your functioning may be able to describe limitations they have personally observed.

The Written Reconsidered Determination

After the proceeding and development of the evidence are complete, the DHO prepares a reconsidered determination. Under 20 CFR 404.917, the determination must be in writing and address the findings and reasons supporting the decision. Under 20 CFR 404.918, certain proposed determinations may be reviewed before they are issued.

The DHO applies the medical-improvement review standard in 20 CFR 404.1594. If the evidence does not support ending disability under that standard, the reconsidered determination may reverse the cessation. If the DHO concludes that the requirements for ending disability are met, the reconsidered determination will uphold the cessation.

Next Steps If the DHO Affirms Cessation

If the reconsidered determination remains unfavorable, you may request the next level of administrative review: a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Under the rules in effect in 2026 and 20 CFR 404.933, you generally have 60 days after receiving the reconsidered determination to request an ALJ hearing. Form HA-501, Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge, may be used to make that request. A separate, shorter deadline may apply if you seek continued benefits during the next appeal stage. Continued payments are governed by 20 CFR 404.1597a and may later be treated as an overpayment if the cessation is upheld. Review the decision notice carefully and contact SSA promptly if you want to appeal or request continued benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who conducts the CDR disability hearing officer conference? A Disability Hearing Officer (DHO) conducts the conference. Under 20 CFR 404.915, the DHO must not have participated in the initial determination that your disability ended.

Can I keep receiving my SSDI payments while waiting for the DHO conference? Under the rules in effect in 2026, you generally must request benefit continuation within 10 days after receiving your cessation notice. Continued benefits are governed by 20 CFR 404.1597a and may be subject to repayment if the cessation is ultimately upheld.

Is the DHO conference the same as an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing? No. The DHO proceeding occurs during medical reconsideration under 20 CFR 404.914. If the reconsidered determination remains unfavorable, you may request a hearing before an ALJ.

This article provides general information about the Disability Hearing Officer process during continuing disability review appeals, not legal advice. Social Security regulations and administrative procedures can change, and every case depends on its facts. Review your SSA notices carefully, consult a qualified representative, or contact the Social Security Administration directly for guidance concerning your claim.