SSDI Appeal Guide for Maryland, Maryland Claimants

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters to Maryland Residents

Thousands of Marylanders apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits each year. According to annual statistics released by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, initial approval rates hover around 35% nationwide—and Maryland follows similar trends. That means well over half of first-time applicants in the Free State receive a denial letter. The good news is that a denial is not the end of the road. You have federally protected rights to appeal and to present additional medical and vocational evidence. This guide walks Maryland, Maryland residents through every critical step, citing only authoritative rules found in the Social Security Act and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). While the information slightly favors protecting claimants, it remains strictly factual and evidence-based.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

1. What Is SSDI?

SSDI is a federal insurance program funded through payroll taxes under Title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 401 et seq.). If you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, you may qualify for monthly cash benefits when a medically determinable impairment prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

2. Core Federal Protections

• Non-discrimination: 20 CFR 404.1509 ensures decisions are based solely on medical and vocational evidence, not race, gender, or other protected statuses.

• Right to Counsel: Claimants may appoint a representative of their choice (20 CFR 404.1705). In Maryland, that usually means a licensed Maryland attorney or a qualified non-attorney advocate.

• Notice Requirements: Under 20 CFR 404.905, SSA must issue a written explanation of its decision, detailing evidence used and reasons for denial.

3. Maryland-Specific Considerations

Because Maryland houses SSA’s national headquarters in Woodlawn just outside Baltimore, many federal employees processing cases work locally. Nevertheless, your claim is adjudicated by the same federal standards as anywhere else in the country. State vocational rehabilitation information may be shared with Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Reisterstown Plaza Office Center, which handles medical determinations for Maryland claimants.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – Medical records do not substantiate a severe impairment that meets the duration or severity criteria in 20 CFR 404.1520.

Earning Above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) – In 2024, earning more than $1,550/month (non-blind) generally leads to disqualification (see annual SGA thresholds in SSA’s SGA Table).

• Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment – 20 CFR 404.1530 allows denial if a claimant fails, without good reason, to follow treatment that could restore capacity to work.

• Lack of Recent Work Credits – Applicants must earn enough quarters of coverage, typically 20 of the last 40 quarters for adults aged 31 and older.

• Administrative Errors – Missing forms (e.g., SSA-827 medical release) or incorrect personal data can trigger technical denials.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Statutes and Regulations Cited in Every Appeal

• Social Security Act § 223(d) – Defines “disability.”

• 20 CFR 404.1520(a) – Five-step sequential evaluation process SSA uses for every adult claim.

• 20 CFR 404.900–404.999 – Administrative review process outlining the four major stages of appeal.

• 20 CFR 404.981 – Finality of Appeals Council decisions and judicial review rights.

Statute of Limitations for Appeals

You have 60 days from the date you receive any adverse notice to appeal to the next level (20 CFR 404.909(a)(1), 404.933(a), 404.968(a)). The SSA presumes you receive its letter within five days of the mailing date unless you can prove otherwise.

Attorney Licensing & Fee Caps

Under 42 U.S.C. § 406(a), attorney fees for SSDI representation are generally capped at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less (adjusted periodically). In Maryland, attorneys must be licensed by the Maryland Court of Appeals (now Supreme Court of Maryland) and in good standing to represent claimants.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

• Read the Denial Letter Carefully The letter will cite the medical and non-medical grounds for denial. Highlight the specific listings or vocational factors SSA considered.

• File a Request for Reconsideration (First Appeal) You must submit SSA-561-U2 or file online within 60 days. Maryland claimants can also deliver paperwork to any local field office, such as the Baltimore Downtown SSA Office, 1010 Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201.

• Compile Additional Evidence Consider obtaining updated medical testing from renowned Maryland facilities like Johns Hopkins Hospital or the University of Maryland Medical Center to strengthen documentation.

• Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) If Reconsideration fails, file a Request for Hearing (Form HA-501) within 60 days. Maryland hearings are typically held at the Baltimore ODAR (Office of Hearings Operations), 300 East Lombard Street, Suite 600, Baltimore, MD 21202, but remote video or telephone hearings are also available.

• Appeals Council Review If the ALJ denies your claim, submit Form HA-520 to the Appeals Council in Falls Church, VA, again within 60 days.

• Federal Court Review The final administrative step is a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). You must file within 60 days of the Appeals Council’s denial notice.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

• Complex Medical Conditions – Cases involving multiple impairments or rare diseases often require sophisticated medical-legal argument.

• Prior Work Above SGA – Demonstrating an inability to sustain work demands detailed vocational expert testimony, which an attorney can secure.

• Missed Deadlines or Procedural Mistakes – A lawyer can request reopening of certain decisions under 20 CFR 404.988 if “good cause” exists.

• Age 50+ Grid Rules – Legal counsel can leverage the Medical-Vocational Guidelines (Appendix 2 to Subpart P of Part 404) to shift the burden in your favor.

Statistics published by SSA show that nationally, represented claimants succeed at the ALJ level significantly more often than unrepresented ones—some studies cite success rates of 60% or higher for represented individuals compared to roughly 40% for those without representation.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Maryland Claimants

1. Social Security Field Offices

• Baltimore Downtown Office – 1010 Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201, Phone: 1-800-772-1213

• Woodlawn (Headquarters) – 6401 Security Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21235

• Silver Spring Office – 10230 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20903

2. Medical Facilities That Frequently Supply Records

• Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD

• University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD

• Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, 9901 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD

3. Vocational & Legal Assistance

Disability Rights Maryland – Offers free or low-cost advocacy. Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) – Job retraining and counseling.

• Maryland State Bar Association Lawyer Referral – 410-685-7878

Tip: Keep all correspondence, medical bills, and SSA notices in a dedicated folder. Missing documentation is the #1 preventable reason for prolonged appeals.

Conclusion

Facing an SSDI denial can feel overwhelming, but federal regulations give you a clear pathway to fight back and present stronger evidence. By understanding the rules under the Social Security Act, meeting every 60-day deadline, and leveraging Maryland’s abundant medical and legal resources, you substantially improve your odds of success. Remember: you have the right to representation at every stage, and attorney fees are strictly regulated to protect your benefits.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information for Maryland, Maryland residents. It is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, 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.