Guide to SSDI Denials & Appeals in Maryland, Maryland

Introduction: Why a Maryland-Focused SSDI Guide Matters

Every year, thousands of Marylanders apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) hoping to replace lost income after a serious medical condition forces them out of the workforce. According to recent Social Security Administration (SSA) data, roughly two-thirds of initial SSDI applications nationwide are denied. The numbers are similar in Maryland, even though the SSA’s national headquarters is located in Baltimore. If you live in Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Hagerstown, Salisbury, or anywhere else in the Free State, a denial letter can feel devastating—but it is not the end of the road. This comprehensive guide explains why claims are denied, how to appeal, which federal regulations apply, and where to find Maryland-specific help. Our aim is to empower you—the claimant—with clear, evidence-based information while remaining 100 percent accurate to federal law.

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Understanding Your SSDI Rights in Maryland

What Is SSDI?

SSDI is a federal insurance program administered by the SSA under Title II of the Social Security Act. Workers earn “insured status” by paying FICA taxes and accumulating work credits. If a medically determinable impairment prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death, you may qualify for benefits.

Key Maryland Claimant Rights

• Right to a Written Decision: Under Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act, you are entitled to a written explanation of any adverse determination.
• Right to Appeal: 20 C.F.R. § 404.900 establishes a four-level administrative review process—Reconsideration, Hearing, Appeals Council, and Federal Court.
• Representation: You may appoint an attorney or qualified representative. In Maryland, attorneys must be licensed by the Maryland State Bar and comply with SSA’s fee-approval rules (20 C.F.R. § 404.1720).
• Timely Processing: The SSA must handle your appeal within a reasonable time, although no exact deadline exists beyond the statutory right to due process.

Knowing these rights helps claimants avoid common pitfalls and adds leverage when errors occur.

Common Reasons the SSA Denies SSDI Claims

1. Medical Insufficiency

The SSA often concludes medical evidence does not establish a “severe impairment” or that it fails one of the five sequential evaluation steps in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. Missing imaging studies, outdated treatment notes, or lack of specialist opinions frequently drive this result.

2. Vocational Findings

Even with documented limitations, the SSA may find you can perform past relevant work (Step 4) or adjust to other work in the national economy (Step 5). In many cases the vocational expert’s testimony at a hearing becomes pivotal.

3. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

If your earnings averaged more than the monthly SGA threshold ($1,550 for non-blind individuals in 2024, per SSA tables), the agency must deny. Some claimants misunderstand how sporadic or part-time earnings count toward SGA.

4. Non-Medical Technical Denials

• Insufficient Work Credits: You generally need 20 credits earned in the 10 years before disability onset.
• Missed Deadlines: Failure to return requested forms like the Adult Function Report can trigger abandonment.
• Residency Issues: You must reside—or plan to reside—in the United States or specific eligible territories.

5. Non-Compliance With Treatment

Refusal to follow prescribed treatment without a “justifiable cause” listed in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1530 can undercut credibility findings and lead to denial.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Core Statutes

• Social Security Act § 223 (42 U.S.C. § 423): Defines disability and basic eligibility criteria.
• Social Security Act § 205(b): Guarantees a hearing and written decision after an adverse action.

Key Regulations

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.900: Lays out the administrative review process.
• 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520: Describes the five-step sequential evaluation used to assess disability.

Important Deadlines

Under both 20 C.F.R. § 404.909 and § 404.933, you have 60 days from receipt of a denial (plus five mailing days) to request the next appeal level. Federal courts enforce this statute of limitations strictly, but you can seek an extension by showing “good cause” consistent with 20 C.F.R. § 404.911.

Attorney Fee Caps

Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 406(a)(2)(A), attorney fees for successful administrative claims are capped at 25 percent of past-due benefits or $7,200 (as adjusted), whichever is less, absent a fee petition. The SSA withholds and disburses fees directly.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial in Maryland

1. Read the Notice Carefully

The denial letter contains specific findings of fact, cited regulations, and your filing deadline. File it in a safe place and make note of the decision date.

2. File a Timely Reconsideration

Use Form SSA-561, Form SSA-3441 (Disability Report – Appeal), and Form SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information). You may submit online or through your local SSA field office (addresses listed below).

3. Strengthen Medical Evidence

• Obtain updated records from Maryland medical centers such as Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore or the University of Maryland Medical Center.
• Request detailed residual functional capacity (RFC) opinions from treating physicians following SSA rules in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c.
• Schedule missing diagnostics (e.g., MRIs, pulmonary function tests) promptly.

4. Track Correspondence

Always send additional documents via certified mail or upload through your my Social Security account so that you have proof of receipt.

5. Prepare for the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing

If reconsideration is denied (common), request a hearing using Form HA-501. Hearings in Maryland are usually held at the Baltimore, Columbia, and Dover Street (East Baltimore) Office of Hearings Operations. You may also opt for a video or telephone hearing.

6. Appeals Council and Federal Court

If an ALJ denies your claim, file a written request for Appeals Council review within 60 days. Should the Council deny or dismiss, you may file a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore or Greenbelt Division) within 60 days under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Benefits of Hiring a Maryland Disability Attorney

• Evidence Development: Lawyers understand how to convert raw medical data into persuasive RFC and vocational arguments.
• Procedural Guidance: Missing a deadline is fatal. Attorneys maintain docketing systems to prevent lapse.
• Cross-Examination Skills: Effective questioning of vocational and medical experts can neutralize unfavorable testimony.

Attorney Licensing in Maryland

Attorneys must be admitted to the Maryland State Bar and remain in good standing. SSA also requires an Appointment of Representative (Form SSA-1696) and compliance with representative conduct rules (20 C.F.R. § 404.1740).

Cost Considerations

No fee is due unless you win, thanks to the contingency arrangement authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 406(a). Because fees are capped, representation is accessible to most claimants.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Maryland SSA Field Offices

• Baltimore Downtown Office: 1010 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Columbia Office: 8870 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045
• Silver Spring Office: 10230 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20903
• Salisbury Office: 2414 Northgate Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801

Hearing Offices (Office of Hearings Operations)

• Baltimore ODAR: 31 Hopkins Plaza, Suite 1400, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Columbia ODAR: 7050 Oakland Mills Rd., Suite 260, Columbia, MD 21046

Medical Providers Experienced in Disability Documentation

• Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287
• University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201

State & Non-Profit Help

Maryland State Bar Association Lawyer ReferralDisability Rights Maryland

Authoritative Federal Resources

SSA Appeals Process Overview20 C.F.R. § 404.900 — Administrative Review20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 — Five-Step EvaluationSocial Security Act § 223 – Definition of Disability

Conclusion

An SSDI denial in Maryland can feel overwhelming, but federal law gives you multiple levels of review, clear procedural safeguards, and the right to professional representation. Act quickly, gather robust evidence, and do not hesitate to consult a qualified maryland disability attorney if the process seems daunting.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information for Maryland claimants and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Maryland attorney regarding your specific circumstances.

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