Many, if not most, approved Social Security disability claimants will receive Form SSA-455-BK – Disability Update Report. This two page form is also known as the “short form.”
SSA will send you this form in an effort to determine whether you have improved medically such that you may be able to return to work. This is a screening form. Your benefits will not be cut off based on your responses to this form but your responses may trigger further questions.
You can also fill this form out online at https://secure.ssa.gov/ssa455/front-end/
Why Fill Out the Online Version of this Form?
The online version of this form can be machine read. If you use the online version and you answer “no” to the question about whether you are working, there is no evidence of earnings and you do not respond that your doctor has suggested you can return to work, there is a good chance that your case will be tagged for “no action” and nothing further will be done in terms of a review for a year or longer.
If you add attachements, or indicate that you have been or may be able to work, your form will be reviewed by a live person at SSA.
It is important that you tell the truth. If you report no earnings, but your IRS earnings record from an employer shows earnings, your case may be flagged.