SSDI Denial Appeal Guide – Maryland, MD

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters to Maryland Claimants

Every year, hundreds of Maryland residents file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) only to receive an unwelcome denial letter. According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) own data, fewer than 38 percent of initial SSDI applications nationwide are approved, and Maryland’s first-round approval rate is roughly in line with the national average. Yet a denial is far from the end of your claim. Federal law gives you several layers of appeal—each offering a fresh look at your medical evidence and work history. This guide explains each stage, cites controlling federal regulations, and highlights local resources such as Maryland field offices and hearing locations. It is written from a claimant-centric perspective, but every statement is grounded in authoritative sources such as the SSA’s Program Operations Manual System (POMS), the Code of Federal Regulations, and published court opinions.

Whether you live in Baltimore City, the Eastern Shore, or the Appalachian foothills of Western Maryland, the appeals process follows the same federal rules. However, knowing where your local field office is, which hearing office (Office of Hearings Operations, or OHO) will schedule your hearing, and where regional health systems can supply supporting medical records can make or break the timeliness of an appeal. Keep reading to learn how to protect—and win—your SSDI claim in Maryland.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

What SSDI Is—and Is Not

SSDI is a federal insurance program funded by payroll taxes that provides monthly cash benefits and eventual Medicare eligibility to workers who can no longer engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death (SSA SGA Guidelines).### Five-Step Sequential Evaluation

• Substantial Gainful Activity: Are you earning above the SGA limit?
• Severity: Does your condition significantly limit work-related activities?
• Listings: Does the impairment meet or equal a Listing in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1?
• Past Relevant Work: Can you perform any job you did in the past 15 years?
• Other Work: Can you adjust to other work in the national economy?

These steps are mandated by 20 CFR §404.1520. If SSA denies at any step, you have the right to written notice explaining the reason (20 CFR §404.130).

Your Appeal Rights Under Federal Law

• 60-day deadline: Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act requires the claimant to request reconsideration or hearing within 60 days after receiving notice. SSA presumes you got the notice five days after the date on the letter (20 CFR §404.901).
• Right to representation: You may hire an attorney or non-attorney representative (20 CFR §404.1705). Fees are capped and must be approved by SSA.
• Due process: The Supreme Court has held in Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389 (1971), that SSDI hearings must provide a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Medical Reasons

• Insufficient objective evidence: Lack of diagnostic imaging or lab results.
• Non-compliance with treatment: SSA may view gaps in care as evidence your condition is not disabling.
• Condition not expected to last 12 months: Short-term injuries generally fail step 2.

Technical Reasons

Insured Status Lapse: You did not earn enough work credits in the 10-year window before disability onset (SSA Work Credit Chart).- Earnings Above SGA: Continuing to work over the monthly SGA limit ($1,550 in 2024 for non-blind claimants) results in an automatic denial (20 CFR §404.1520(b)).

Procedural Reasons

• Missed deadlines for submitting forms.
• Failure to attend a Consultative Examination (CE) scheduled by SSA.
• Incomplete Work History Report (Form SSA-3369).

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Statutes and Regulations

• 20 CFR §404.900 – Outlines the four levels of administrative review: reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, and federal court.
• 20 CFR §404.933 – Establishes the right to request an ALJ hearing.
• Social Security Act §205(g) – Grants the right to judicial review in U.S. District Court.

How These Protections Help Maryland Claimants

Because these rules are federal, they apply uniformly in Maryland. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions) hears SSDI cases filed after exhausting administrative remedies. Published opinions from this court—such as Smith v. Kijakazi, Civ. No. 1:22-cv-00456 (D. Md. 2023)—demonstrate the court’s willingness to remand when ALJs fail to discuss relevant medical evidence.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Reconsideration

You must submit Form SSA-561 within 60 days. A different Disability Examiner and medical consultant review your file. In Maryland, mail or deliver the form to the appropriate field office (see addresses below) or file online through SSA’s iAppeals portal.### 2. Application for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If reconsideration is denied, file Form HA-501. Maryland hearings are typically held at:

• Baltimore OHO: 300 E. Lombard St., Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21202
• National Hearing Center (Video): Falls Church, VA—video docket often used for Maryland claimants

You may request an in-person or video hearing (20 CFR §404.936).

3. Appeals Council Review

The Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia, will review alleged errors of law, fact, or procedure. File Form HA-520 online or by mail. New evidence must satisfy 20 CFR §404.970: it must be material, relate to the period before the ALJ decision, and show a reasonable probability of changing the outcome.

4. Federal Court

File a civil action within 60 days of the Appeals Council’s denial or decision. The defendant is the Commissioner of Social Security, and service is made on the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.

Practical Tips

• Use certified mail or MySSA upload portal to confirm receipt.
• Request and review your Exhibit List before the hearing.
• Obtain Medical Source Statements from treating physicians; 4th Circuit precedent (Dowell v. Colvin, 698 F. App’x 188 (4th Cir. 2017)) emphasizes the weight given to such opinions.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Advantages of a Maryland Disability Attorney

• Evidence Gathering: Attorneys can subpoena Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, or Adventist Health records quickly.
• On-the-Record (OTR) Requests: Experienced lawyers may secure an early favorable decision without a hearing.
• Cross-Examination: A seasoned advocate can question Vocational Experts about job erosion and transferable skills.

Attorney Fee Rules

Under 20 CFR §404.1728, fees are generally limited to 25 percent of past-due benefits or $7,200 (2024 cap), whichever is less, and must be approved by SSA.

Finding a Qualified Lawyer Near You

Check the Maryland State Bar Association’s online directory, verify SSA representative ID numbers, and confirm no disciplinary actions. Search terms like “maryland disability attorney” or “SSDI appeals Baltimore” often yield local counsel.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Maryland Field Offices (Partial List)

• Baltimore Central: 6100 Wabash Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215
• Silver Spring: 10230 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20903
• Rockville: 315 N. Washington St., Rockville, MD 20850
• Salisbury (Eastern Shore): 299 Civic Ave., Salisbury, MD 21804

Key Medical Facilities for Evidence

• Johns Hopkins Hospital – Baltimore
• University of Maryland Medical Center – Baltimore
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center – Bethesda

Mental-Health Treatment Providers

Mental impairments are common bases for SSDI claims. The Maryland Department of Health maintains a searchable list of community behavioral health clinics at BHA Maryland.### Community Support Organizations

Disability Rights Maryland – Provides free legal advocacy in limited cases.Maryland Department of Labor’s Disability Workforce – Helps with Ticket to Work and vocational rehab.

Checklist Before You File Your Next Appeal

• Mark the 60-day deadline on your calendar.
• Request complete medical records from all treating sources.
• Draft a personal statement detailing daily limitations.
• Contact a licensed Maryland SSDI attorney for a free consultation.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Maryland attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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