SSDI Attorney Guide: Denials & Appeals in Maryland, MD

Introduction: Why Maryland Residents Need a Targeted SSDI Denial Guide

More than 5.9 million Americans receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but the Social Security Administration (SSA) initially denies roughly two-thirds of first-time applications nationwide. Claimants in Maryland face the same high denial rate, even though the state is home to the SSA’s national headquarters in Woodlawn, Baltimore County. Understanding the unique procedural landscape—local hearing offices, regional statistics, and Maryland-specific professional rules for attorneys—can dramatically improve your odds of success. This guide offers a claimant-friendly, evidence-based roadmap for overturning an SSDI denial while staying fully compliant with federal law.

Whether you live in Baltimore City, Silver Spring, Frederick, or along the Eastern Shore, the appeals process is federal, but small local details—like where to file paperwork or how to obtain medical records from Johns Hopkins Hospital or the University of Maryland Medical System—can make or break your case. Read on to learn your rights, common pitfalls, key federal regulations, and when to call an experienced Maryland disability attorney for strategic assistance.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights Under Federal Law

The Legal Foundation of SSDI

SSDI is authorized by Title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 401–433). To qualify, you must:

• Have a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death (Social Security Act § 223(d)(1)(A)).

• Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of the impairment (20 C.F.R. § 404.1505).

• Have earned enough quarters of coverage based on FICA taxes paid (20 C.F.R. § 404.130).

Your Procedural Due-Process Rights

Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act and 20 C.F.R. § 404.900 guarantee every claimant the right to:

• Written notice of any adverse decision.

• The opportunity to appeal within 60 days of receiving that notice (SSA presumes receipt five days after the mailing date).

• A fair hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).

• Further review by the Appeals Council and, if necessary, the federal courts.

Because SSDI is a federal benefit, Maryland residents enjoy the same baseline protections as claimants nationwide. Yet, local factors—such as the backlog at the Baltimore Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)—can influence wait times and strategy.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

SSDI denials generally fall into two broad categories: technical and medical.

Technical Denials

• Insufficient work credits: You may not meet the 20-quarters-of-coverage rule if you recently entered the workforce or had long employment gaps.

• Earnings above SGA: For 2024, earning more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) can trigger an automatic denial (20 C.F.R. § 404.1574).

• Previous denials not appealed properly: Failing to appeal within 60 days forces you to submit a new application, losing retroactive benefits.

Medical Denials

• Failure to meet or equal a Listing: The SSA’s Listing of Impairments (20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1) outlines medical criteria for automatic approval.

• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) findings: The SSA may decide you can still perform past relevant work or other work in the national economy.

• Non-compliance with treatment: Not following prescribed therapy without a good reason can sink an otherwise valid claim (20 C.F.R. § 404.1530).

Understanding why you were denied is essential. The SSA’s Notice of Disapproved Claim will cite specific regulations and evidence; scrutinize it carefully before crafting your appeal.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations You Must Know

Key Regulations Frequently Cited in Maryland Denial Notices

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520: The five-step sequential evaluation process used by ALJs.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.900–404.999d: Administrative review process, including reconsideration, ALJ, Appeals Council, and federal court.

• Social Security Act § 205(g): Judicial review in U.S. District Court.

Statutes of Limitations for Appeals

You generally have:

• 60 days from receipt to request reconsideration.

• 60 days after reconsideration denial to request an ALJ hearing.

• 60 days after an unfavorable ALJ decision to file with the Appeals Council.

• 60 days after Appeals Council denial to file a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore or Greenbelt divisions).

Missing any deadline usually means starting over, potentially forfeiting months—or years—of retroactive benefits. Good-cause extensions exist but are narrowly construed (20 C.F.R. § 404.911).

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Thoroughly

The SSA must explain the specific evidence and legal standards relied upon. Look for:

• Date of mailing (to calculate your 60-day clock).

• Citations to medical evidence and RFC findings.

• Instructions on how to request reconsideration.

2. Request Reconsideration (if Applicable)

File SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) online or at your local SSA field office—e.g., Baltimore Downtown Office, 1010 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201. Supply any missing medical evidence, such as updated MRI results from Johns Hopkins Hospital or psychiatric evaluations from Sheppard Pratt.

3. Prepare for the ALJ Hearing

Maryland hearings are generally held at the Baltimore OHO (2 Hopkins Plaza, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21201) or National Hearing Centers that handle video proceedings. Key tips:

• Order your full claims file (E-FOLDER) through mySSA or in writing.

• Submit a pre-hearing brief highlighting Listings, vocational issues, and treating-physician opinions (20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)).

• Line up witnesses, such as treating doctors, family members, or a vocational expert rebuttal.

4. Appeals Council Review

Roughly 15% of Appeals Council reviews result in a favorable outcome or remand. Focus on legal errors: misapplication of the Listings, improper credibility evaluations, or disregard for treating-source rules.

5. Federal Court Action

If all administrative remedies fail, you can file a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Although no new evidence is admitted, the court can reverse or remand based on legal error or lack of substantial evidence (see 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While you can self-represent (pro se) at any stage, statistics from the SSA’s Annual Data for Representation show higher allowance rates for represented claimants. In Maryland, ALJ approval rates hover around 50% with counsel but drop below 35% for unrepresented claimants.

Contingency Fees & SSA Approval

Attorney fees are federally capped at the lesser of 25% of retroactive benefits or $7,200 (effective Nov. 30, 2022), as set forth in 42 U.S.C. § 406(a) and 20 C.F.R. § 404.1720. The SSA withholds and pays your attorney directly only if you win.

Maryland Licensing Rules

Legal representation must be provided by an attorney in good standing with the Maryland State Bar and governed by the Maryland Attorneys’ Rules of Professional Conduct (Md. Rule 19-300). Non-attorney representatives must meet SSA eligibility criteria but cannot provide state-law advice.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Maryland Claimants

Key SSA Field Offices

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

• Silver Spring: 10230 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20903

• Frederick: 5340 Spectrum Drive, Suite 2, Frederick, MD 21703

Medical Documentation Hubs

• Johns Hopkins Hospital Medical Records: 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287 (Phone: 410-955-6043)

• University of Maryland Medical Center: 22 S. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201 (Phone: 410-328-5606)

Vocational & Rehabilitation Services

The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) can provide work-incentive counseling, which may bolster arguments about your inability to perform SGA.

Statistical Snapshot

According to the SSA’s State Supplementary Data for Maryland, approximately 117,000 Maryland residents receive either SSDI or SSI disability benefits, underscoring the competitive nature of the program.

Conclusion: Protect Your Rights in the SSDI Appeals Process

The SSDI system is complex by design, but knowledge is power. By mastering federal regulations, tracking strict deadlines, gathering strong medical evidence, and leveraging local Maryland resources, you significantly increase your odds of overturning an unjust denial. Professional advocacy often tips the balance in close cases, especially at the ALJ hearing and federal-court levels.

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

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information for Maryland residents and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Maryland attorney for advice specific to your situation.