SSDI Appeal Guide | SSD Lawyers Near Maryland, MD

Introduction: Facing an SSDI Denial in Maryland, Maryland

If you live anywhere in the State of Maryland—whether in Baltimore City, the Eastern Shore, or the Washington, D.C. suburbs—and you just received a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) denial letter, you are far from alone. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a significant percentage of first-time SSDI applications are denied nationwide. Maryland claimants often feel discouraged, especially after months of gathering medical records and completing lengthy forms. The good news is that federal law gives you multiple opportunities to challenge the decision and prove you qualify for benefits. This comprehensive guide—prepared by legal professionals who focus on protecting disability claimants—explains why denials happen, the appeal deadlines under 20 C.F.R. Part 404, and the specific steps you can take right here in Maryland to safeguard your claim.

Throughout this article, we cite only authoritative sources such as the SSA’s Program Operations Manual System (POMS), the Code of Federal Regulations, and portions of the Social Security Act. We also provide local information for the Baltimore Downtown SSA Office (1010 Park Ave., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201) and Maryland’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) at 800 Wyman Park Drive, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD 21211. By the end, you will understand your rights, deadlines, and resources so you can decide whether to proceed on your own or hire a qualified Maryland disability attorney.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

1. The Federal Definition of Disability

The governing statute is Social Security Act § 223(d), which defines disability as the “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment” expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death. SSA implements this standard through regulations, including 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505.

2. The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Are you working above SSA’s monthly earnings limit (e.g., $1,550 for non-blind claimants in 2024)?

• Severity: Does your impairment significantly limit work-related activities?

• Listed Impairment: Does your condition meet or equal an impairment in the Listing of Impairments (Appendix 1, Subpart P, 20 C.F.R. Part 404)?

• Past Relevant Work: Can you perform work you have done during the past 15 years?

• Other Work: Are there other jobs in the national economy you can do, considering your age, education, and residual functional capacity?

If the answer is unfavorable at any step, the SSA may deny your claim. However, each step is subject to appeal, and medical or vocational evidence can shift the outcome.

3. Procedural Rights Under Federal Law

Written Notice: SSA must provide a written explanation of its decision under 20 C.F.R. § 404.904.

• Right to Representation: You may appoint a qualified representative—including a licensed Maryland attorney—per 20 C.F.R. § 404.1700.

• Right to Review Your File: You are entitled to inspect and copy evidence in your claim file before any hearing.

• Right to Reasonable Accommodation: Claimants with limited English proficiency or disabilities that affect communication can request accommodations.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

1. Technical Eligibility Problems

Even if you are medically disabled, SSA will deny benefits if you lack sufficient quarters of coverage, also known as “work credits.” In Maryland, workers generally need 20 quarters earned in the 40-quarter period before disability onset. Another technical barrier is earning above the SGA threshold after your alleged onset date.

2. Insufficient Medical Evidence

SSA relies heavily on objective medical tests, physician opinions, and longitudinal treatment records. Maryland claimants sometimes submit only hospital discharge papers or urgent-care notes, which fail to document ongoing limitations. Without a detailed Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment from your treating provider at Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of Maryland Medical Center, or another local facility, the agency may find your evidence “not persuasive.”

3. Non-compliance With Treatment

Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1530, SSA may deny benefits if you fail, without good reason, to follow prescribed treatment that could restore your ability to work. However, inability to afford treatment can be considered “good cause.” Maryland’s Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and community clinics can help bridge this gap.

4. Adverse Consultative Examination (CE) Findings

Disability Determination Services orders CEs when existing records are insufficient. Maryland claimants are often sent to independent doctors in Baltimore, Hagerstown, or Salisbury. A rushed or cursory CE report can trigger denial.

5. Unfavorable Vocational Analysis

At Steps 4 and 5, SSA uses vocational experts (VEs) to testify about jobs available in the national economy. If the VE identifies sedentary positions you ostensibly can perform—such as surveillance system monitor—SSA may deny your claim even with serious medical conditions.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Statutes and Regulations

• Social Security Act § 205(g): Grants the right to judicial review in U.S. District Court.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.909: Details the 60-day deadline to request reconsideration after an initial denial.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.929: Covers hearing rights before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.970: Sets standards for Appeals Council review.

• 42 U.S.C. § 406: Caps attorney fees (generally 25 percent of past-due benefits, up to $7,200 as of 2024, absent a fee petition).

Attorney Licensing and Representation in Maryland

Any lawyer who represents claimants before the SSA must be in good standing with at least one state bar and register through SSA’s Appointed Representative Services. For representation in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore or Greenbelt divisions), the attorney must also be admitted to that federal court. Maryland lawyers are regulated by the Maryland Court of Appeals and must comply with the Maryland Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct.

Statutes of Limitation and Critical Deadlines

60 Days: File a request for reconsideration (SSA-561). 60 Days: After a reconsideration denial, request an ALJ hearing (Form HA-501).

• 60 Days: Following an unfavorable ALJ decision, request Appeals Council review.

• 60 Days: File a civil action in federal court after Appeals Council denial.

SSA presumes you receive any decision five days after mailing. You may request an extension for “good cause,” such as hospitalization or mailing errors (20 C.F.R. § 404.911).

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Carefully Read the Denial Letter

The “Notice of Disapproved Claim” lists the medical and vocational reasons for denial. In Maryland, this notice commonly arrives with a green SSA envelope. Make note of the mailing date—it triggers your 60-day appeal clock.

2. File a Timely Reconsideration

Complete SSA-561 and submit it to your local SSA field office, such as the Baltimore Downtown Office, within 60 days. Maryland claimants can also file online through SSA’s iAppeals portal. At reconsideration, a different disability examiner and medical consultant will review your file.

3. Strengthen Your Medical Evidence

• Request updated imaging or lab tests at major Maryland facilities like Johns Hopkins Hospital or MedStar Health.

• Obtain a detailed RFC questionnaire from your treating specialist.

• Keep a symptom diary to document pain, fatigue, and functional limitations.

4. Prepare for the ALJ Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, you may request a hearing before an ALJ at SSA’s Baltimore OHO (Office of Hearing Operations), 300 E. Joppa Rd., Suite 410, Towson, MD 21286. Due to COVID-19, phone or video hearings remain available. Typical waiting times in Maryland range from 8–12 months, according to SSA’s public statistics (FY 2023). Use this time to gather additional evidence and consider legal representation.

5. Appeals Council and Federal Court

The Appeals Council (AC), headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, reviews ALJ decisions for legal or factual errors. If the AC denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you may file a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Federal judges often remit cases back to SSA for new hearings if procedural errors occurred, such as the ALJ’s failure to properly evaluate treating physician opinions under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

1. Complex Medical Conditions

Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis), combined physical and mental impairments, or rare diseases often require detailed medical source statements and cross-examination of vocational experts. An experienced Maryland disability attorney can coordinate expert testimony.

2. Prior Denials or Termination of Benefits

If SSA previously determined you are not disabled or terminated existing benefits after a Continuing Disability Review (CDR), an attorney can help distinguish your current claim from earlier findings.

3. Adverse Vocational Testimony

Vocational experts frequently cite jobs (e.g., table worker, addresser) that may not exist in significant numbers. Counsel can challenge VE methodology, leveraging federal court decisions such as Biestek v. Berryhill, 139 S. Ct. 1148 (2019).

4. Contingency-Fee Representation

Under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b) and SSA regulations, attorney fees are generally limited to 25 percent of past-due benefits, capped at $7,200 (2024 rate), unless the attorney submits a fee petition. No fee is owed if you do not win back benefits.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Key Maryland SSA Field Offices

• Baltimore Downtown Office: 1010 Park Ave., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201; Phone: 866-331-7130

• Hagerstown Office: 241 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD 21740

• Salisbury Office: 299 W. Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21801

Maryland Disability Determination Services (DDS)

DDS makes the initial and reconsideration decisions for Maryland claims. Address: 800 Wyman Park Drive, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD 21211. While DDS does not interact directly with claimants, you or your attorney may send supplemental medical records here.

Medical Facilities for Documentation

• Johns Hopkins Hospital – Comprehensive specialty care and advanced diagnostics.

• University of Maryland Medical Center – Level I trauma center and numerous outpatient clinics.

• Sheppard Pratt – Leading mental health facility in Towson, useful for psychiatric documentation.

Community Support

• Maryland Legal Aid – Provides free civil legal services, including some disability benefit cases.

• 211 Maryland – Connects residents with local social services.

• Centers for Independent Living – Offers peer counseling and advocacy for people with disabilities.

Action Checklist

• Mark your denial letter date and calculate the 60-day deadline.

• Request reconsideration online or at a Maryland SSA office.

• Schedule medical follow-ups and gather updated records.

• Consult a licensed Maryland disability attorney if the case is complex.

• Keep copies of every submission and confirm SSA receipt.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations change, and individual facts matter. Always consult a licensed Maryland attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

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