Guide to SSDI Denial Appeals – Maryland, MD

Introduction: Why a Maryland-Focused SSDI Guide Matters

Every year thousands of Maryland residents apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. According to annual data published by the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than 60% of first-time applications nationwide are denied. For claimants in Maryland—whether you live in Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, or the Eastern Shore—an initial denial is not the end of the road. Federal law provides a multi-level appeals process, strict deadlines, and important procedural protections designed to give disabled workers a fair opportunity to secure benefits. This guide demystifies that process, grounding every step in verifiable federal regulations and Maryland-specific information so you can move forward with confidence. We slightly favor the interests of claimants because the burden of proof—establishing that you meet the definition of disability under 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)—is substantial. Understanding your rights, the common reasons for denials, and how to navigate appeals within the prescribed time limits can make the difference between a successful claim and prolonged financial hardship. Let’s get started.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

The Federal Definition of Disability

Under Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act, you must show that you are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted—or is expected to last—for at least 12 continuous months or result in death. The SSA applies this standard through a sequential evaluation framework laid out in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.

Who Qualifies for SSDI?

• Insured Status: You need adequate work credits in the Social Security system—generally 20 credits in the 40 quarters before disability onset for most adults.

Medical Eligibility: Your impairment must meet or equal a “Listing” in SSA’s Listing of Impairments or, if not, leave you unable to perform past work or any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.

• Non-financial Factors: You must be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen, and benefits generally cease if you engage in SGA (defined in 2024 as earning more than $1,550 per month for non-blind claimants).

Once you submit an SSDI application, the Maryland Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Timonium reviews your file, gathers medical records, and may schedule consultative examinations. If DDS denies the claim, you have a right to a written notice detailing the reasons, as required by 20 C.F.R. § 404.904.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

1. Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence

A frequent basis for denial is failure to provide objective medical evidence—labs, imaging, specialist notes—showing the severity of your condition. SSA’s regulations make the claimant responsible for furnishing evidence (20 C.F.R. § 404.1512).

2. Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Findings

The DDS adjudicator may decide you can perform past relevant work or adjust to other work, even with impairments. This determination often hinges on RFC assessments that claimants (or their physicians) did not rebut.

3. Non-Medical Technical Denials

These include insufficient work credits or failing the “recent work” test. Technical denials can occur before a medical review even begins.

4. Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment

If you do not follow treatment without a valid reason, SSA may deny your claim under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1530.

5. Missed Deadlines or Forms

Missing consultative exams, failing to complete SSA-requested forms (e.g., Work History Report SSA-3369), or ignoring deadlines can lead to a denial for “insufficient evidence.”

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Statutes & Regulations

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.900 – Establishes the administrative review process (reconsideration, hearing, Appeals Council, federal court).

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.968 – Governs Appeals Council review.

• Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act – Guarantees a right to a hearing and written decision.

Deadlines You Must Know

You generally have 60 days from receipt of any adverse SSA notice to request the next level of review. SSA presumes you receive notices 5 days after the date on the letter (20 C.F.R. § 404.901). Missing this deadline can terminate your appeal rights unless you show “good cause.”

Your Due-Process Rights

• Written Notice explaining the specific reasons for denial.

• Right to Representation by an attorney or qualified non-attorney.

• Opportunity to Submit Evidence and examine the evidence used in your case.

• Right to a De Novo Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. File a Request for Reconsideration (Level 1)

In Maryland, reconsiderations are processed by DDS in Timonium. Complete Form SSA-561 and submit supplementary medical evidence. The reconsideration decision is usually based on a paper review by a different examiner.

2. Request an ALJ Hearing (Level 2)

If reconsideration fails, file Form HA-501 within 60 days. Hearings for Maryland residents are typically held at one of these Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) locations:

• Baltimore OHO: 2 Hopkins Plaza, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201

• National Capital OHO: 6401 Security Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21235

The ALJ can take testimony, question vocational and medical experts, and issue a new decision independent of prior determinations.

3. Appeals Council Review (Level 3)

If the ALJ denies your claim, you may request Appeals Council review in Falls Church, Virginia. The Council may deny review, remand for a new hearing, or issue its own decision (20 C.F.R. § 404.967).

4. Federal Court Action (Level 4)

The final step is filing a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. You must file within 60 days of the Appeals Council’s denial. The court reviews whether SSA’s decision is supported by “substantial evidence” and consistent with law.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Statistics compiled by SSA indicate that claimants with professional representation have higher success rates at every appeal level. Maryland attorneys must be admitted to the Maryland State Bar and registered with SSA’s Representative Identification (Rep ID) system. Contingency-fee agreements are capped by 20 C.F.R. § 404.1728 at the lesser of 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200 (2024 cap) unless approved otherwise by SSA.

Signs You Should Call a Lawyer

• Complex medical conditions requiring expert testimony.

• Prior work that SSA claims you can still perform.

• Missed or approaching deadlines.

• Vocational issues, such as education level or non-transferable skills.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Maryland SSA Field Offices

• Baltimore Downtown: 1010 Park Ave., Baltimore, MD 21201

• Rockville: 315 N. Washington St., Rockville, MD 20850

• Salisbury: 299 E. Main St., Suite 500, Salisbury, MD 21801

State & Community Resources

Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) – Vocational rehabilitation and employment services. Disability Rights Maryland – Free legal advocacy for eligible individuals. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Access to specialist evaluations often critical for SSDI evidence.

Practical Next Steps

• Mark the 60-day appeal deadline on your calendar immediately after receiving a denial letter.

• Request and review your claims file (CDR) from SSA to understand evidence gaps.

• Gather updated medical records and obtain detailed RFC opinions from treating physicians.

• Consider retaining a maryland disability attorney experienced in SSDI appeals to maximize your odds of success.

Conclusion

An SSDI denial can feel overwhelming, but federal law and Maryland-based resources give you multiple opportunities to fight back. By understanding the appeals timeline, knowing the evidence SSA weighs most heavily, and leveraging professional representation when necessary, you improve your chances of securing the benefits you have earned. Act quickly, stay organized, and assert your rights.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your particular case, consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.