Allsup's Role in the Disability Review Process
Allsup is a private company that Social Security contracts with to help conduct Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) — the periodic checks that determine whether you still meet the medical criteria for SSDI or SSI. When Social Security schedules your review, you may receive correspondence from Allsup rather than directly from SSA. Allsup does not decide whether you stay on benefits; Social Security makes that decision. Allsup's job is to gather your medical records, arrange any consultative exams if needed, and send a report to Social Security with the medical evidence.
You are not required to work with Allsup, and you do not pay them — Social Security pays them to handle the administrative work. However, ignoring Allsup's requests has the same consequence as ignoring Social Security's: your benefits can be stopped for failure to cooperate. Understanding what Allsup will ask you to do, and what you can expect from the process, helps you respond correctly and protect your claim.
Key Takeaways
- Allsup is hired by Social Security to collect medical records and schedule exams during your Continuing Disability Review, but Social Security — not Allsup — makes the final decision about your benefits.
- You must respond to Allsup's requests within the important date Social Security gives you, usually 10 days, or your benefits can be stopped for non-cooperation.
- Allsup may arrange a consultative exam (CE) with a doctor they choose; you have the right to request a different doctor if you have a treating physician, but Allsup decides whether to grant it.
- You can submit your own medical records and statements directly to Social Security at any time during the review, and you should do so if you believe Allsup's records are incomplete.
- If you disagree with Allsup's findings or the review outcome, you can appeal to Social Security using the standard appeal process — reconsideration, hearing, and Appeals Council.
How Allsup Contacts You and What They Ask For
When Social Security initiates your Continuing Disability Review, they send you a notice that explains the review is happening. That notice may direct you to contact Allsup, or Allsup may contact you directly by phone or mail. Allsup will ask you to provide information about your current medical treatment, your doctors, your work activity, and your living situation. They will request permission to obtain your medical records from your treating physicians and any hospitals or clinics where you have received care.
You should respond to Allsup's initial contact within the timeframe Social Security specified in your review notice — typically 10 days. If you do not respond, Social Security can find you non-cooperative and stop your benefits. If you need more time, contact Allsup and ask for an extension; they can grant one, but you must ask before the important date passes. Provide accurate information about your doctors and treatment. If you have not seen a doctor recently, tell Allsup that too — it is part of the record.
Allsup will also ask whether you have worked or earned income since your last review. Be honest about any work you have done, including part-time work, self-employment, or work you did for a few weeks. Work activity does not automatically disqualify you, but failing to report it can result in overpayment and a finding of fraud.
Consultative Exams and Medical Evidence
If your medical records do not contain recent enough evidence to make a decision, or if there are gaps in your treatment history, Allsup may schedule a consultative exam (CE) with a doctor or psychologist they contract with. This is not your treating physician; it is a doctor Social Security pays to evaluate you for the review. The exam is usually brief — 30 to 60 minutes — and focuses on your current functional limitations.
You have the right to request that the exam be conducted by your own treating physician instead, but only if you have one and only if that physician is willing to do the exam for the fee Social Security pays (usually $200 to $400, depending on the type of exam). Allsup decides whether to grant your request. If you ask for your treating doctor and Allsup denies it, you can note your objection in writing and send it to Social Security; Social Security will consider it during the review.
Attend the consultative exam if Allsup schedules one. If you cannot attend, contact Allsup when ready and explain why. If you miss the exam without contacting Allsup, Social Security may stop your benefits for non-cooperation. During the exam, be honest about your symptoms, limitations, and how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. The doctor will write a report that becomes part of your case file.
What Happens After Allsup Submits Their Report
After Allsup gathers your medical records and completes any exams, they send a report to Social Security that summarizes the medical evidence and notes whether the evidence shows you still have a severe impairment that prevents substantial work. Allsup's report is not a decision — it is a recommendation based on the medical facts. A Social Security disability examiner reviews Allsup's report along with your entire case file and makes the actual decision: whether your condition continues to meet the medical criteria for SSDI or SSI.
Social Security will send you a notice of the decision. If they find that your condition no longer meets the criteria, they will explain why and tell you that your benefits will stop on a specific date. If they find that your condition continues to meet the criteria, your benefits will continue. Either way, you have the right to appeal if you disagree.
Your Right to Submit Your Own Medical Evidence
You do not have to rely only on the records Allsup collects. At any time during the review — before or after Allsup submits their report — you can send your own medical records, test results, doctor's statements, or other evidence directly to Social Security. Send it to the local Social Security office that handles your case, or to the address listed on your review notice. Include a cover letter that explains what you are sending and why you believe it is important to your case.
If you have a treating physician who knows your condition well, ask them to write a statement about your current functional limitations, your prognosis, and whether they believe you can work. This statement can carry significant weight in the review, especially if your doctor has been treating you for years and has detailed records. Do not wait for Allsup to ask for it; submit it on your own.
Keep copies of everything you send. If you send records by mail, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof Social Security received them. If you send them in person to your local office, ask for a receipt.
If You Disagree With Allsup's Findings or the Review Decision
If you believe Allsup's report is incomplete, inaccurate, or based on a flawed consultative exam, you can object to it in writing. Send your objection to Social Security, not to Allsup. Explain specifically what you believe is wrong — for example, "The consultative exam did not test my ability to sit for eight hours, which is a major limitation" or "Allsup did not obtain records from my rheumatologist, who has treated me for five years." Social Security will consider your objection when they review the case.
If Social Security makes a decision you disagree with, you can appeal using the standard SSDI appeal process: request reconsideration within 60 days of the notice, then request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge if reconsideration is denied, then appeal to the Appeals Council if the judge's decision is unfavorable. You can represent yourself or hire a disability advocate or attorney to help you. At the hearing stage, you can present new medical evidence and testify about your condition.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
One frequent problem is that Allsup cannot reach you because your contact information has changed. If you have moved, changed your phone number, or changed your mailing address, update your information with Social Security when ready. You can do this online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. If Allsup cannot reach you, Social Security may assume you are not cooperating and stop your benefits.
Another common issue is that Allsup's records are incomplete because your doctors are slow to respond or because you have seen multiple providers and Allsup missed some of them. Do not assume Allsup will find all your records. If you know you have seen a doctor that Allsup has not contacted, call Allsup and give them the doctor's name, address, and phone number. Better yet, contact your doctor's office yourself and ask them to send your records directly to Allsup or to Social Security.
A third problem is that people sometimes ignore Allsup's requests because they are frustrated with the review process or because they believe their benefits should not be reviewed. Ignoring Allsup is the fastest way to lose your benefits. Even if you believe the review is unfair, you must cooperate. You can challenge the decision later through the appeal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse to work with Allsup and deal only with Social Security?
No. Social Security has contracted with Allsup to handle the administrative work of your review, and you must cooperate with them. If you refuse to provide information to Allsup or miss a consultative exam, Social Security can stop your benefits for non-cooperation. You can object to specific things Allsup does — such as requesting a different doctor for the consultative exam — but you cannot opt out of the process entirely.
Does Allsup's consultative exam replace my regular doctor visits?
No. The consultative exam is only for the review process. You should continue seeing your treating physicians and following their treatment recommendations. In fact, continuing treatment is important evidence that your condition is still severe. If you stop seeing doctors during your review, it can hurt your case because Social Security may conclude your condition has improved.
What if I disagree with the consultative exam doctor's findings?
You can submit a written objection to Social Security and provide a statement from your treating physician that contradicts the consultative exam findings. At a hearing, you can testify about why you believe the exam was inaccurate and present your own doctor's opinion. The judge will weigh both opinions when deciding your case.
How long does the Allsup review process take?
The timeline varies. Allsup typically has 30 to 60 days to gather records and complete any exams after you respond to their initial request. Social Security then has additional time to make a decision. The entire process can take three to six months, depending on how quickly doctors respond and whether a consultative exam is needed.
Can I hire a lawyer to help me during the Allsup review?
You can hire a lawyer or advocate at any stage, including during the Allsup review. However, most lawyers do not charge for work done before a hearing is scheduled. If you hire someone, they can help you gather medical evidence, communicate with Allsup, and prepare for a possible appeal. Make sure any representative you hire is authorized to practice before Social Security — check the Social Security website for a list of accredited representatives.