SSDI Denial Guide for Claimants in Maryland, MD

Introduction: Why This SSDI Guide Matters to Maryland, MD Claimants

Receiving a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) denial letter can be devastating, especially when you live in Maryland and rely on those benefits to make ends meet. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than half of initial SSDI applications nationwide are denied. In Maryland, the initial approval rate typically hovers close to the national average, leaving thousands of residents without support while they appeal. This guide explains the entire SSDI denial and appeals process from a slightly claimant-favored perspective, grounded strictly in federal law and reliable statistics. You will learn why denials occur, the legal framework that protects you, and how to leverage local resources—such as Baltimore’s Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) and Maryland disability advocacy organizations—to improve your chances on appeal.

Quick Facts for Maryland Residents

• SSA Region: Maryland is part of the SSA’s Philadelphia Region.

• Average hearing wait time (Baltimore OHO): approximately 10–12 months (SSA FY 2023 data).

• Top disabling conditions statewide: musculoskeletal disorders, mood disorders, and neurological issues (SSA Annual Statistical Report).

1. Understanding Your SSDI Rights

SSDI is a federal insurance program authorized under Title II of the Social Security Act. If you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes (FICA), you are insured for disability benefits. Maryland claimants enjoy the same fundamental rights as applicants in any other state, including:

• The right to a fair determination under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 (the five-step sequential evaluation).

• The right to written notice of any adverse decision (20 C.F.R. § 404.904).

• The right to representation by an attorney or qualified non-attorney representative (42 U.S.C. § 406).

Federal law mandates that denials must be based on substantial evidence and must explain the specific medical and vocational findings that led to the decision. If you believe the decision is incorrect, you may appeal through the structured SSA appeals process detailed below.

2. Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Understanding why SSA denies claims can help Maryland applicants avoid common pitfalls:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: The medical records do not confirm a severe impairment lasting—or expected to last—at least 12 months (20 C.F.R. § 404.1509).

• Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: Not following prescribed medical treatment without a valid reason can be grounds for denial (20 C.F.R. § 404.1530).

• Earning Above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): For 2024, SGA is $1,550/month for non-blind applicants. Earning over that amount generally disqualifies you (20 C.F.R. § 404.1574).

• Lack of Work Credits: Claimants must have the required quarters of coverage. In Maryland, this is usually 20 quarters in the last 10 years for most adult workers.

• Non-Severity Determinations: SSA may decide that the impairment is not severe enough to limit basic work activities.

3. Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

The appeals process is standardized nationwide, but it is critical to anchor your strategy in key federal laws:

• 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart J — Governs the administrative review process.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.900 — Outlines the four levels of appeal: Reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court.

• 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) — Grants the right to file suit in U.S. District Court after exhausting SSA administrative remedies.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.1740 — Establishes ethical standards for representatives.

Two critical deadlines you must remember:

• 60-Day Rule: You generally have 60 days from the date you receive the denial letter (presumed five days after the letter date) to file your appeal at each step (20 C.F.R. § 404.909).

• Federal Court Filing: Within 60 days of the Appeals Council’s notice of denial or unfavorable decision (42 U.S.C. § 405(g)).

4. Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

Step 1: File a Request for Reconsideration

Most Maryland claimants must first submit a Request for Reconsideration (SSA-561) to the SSA’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) located in Baltimore:

Maryland DDS

300 East Joppa Road, Suite 407

Towson, MD 21286 Your file will be reviewed by a different examiner and medical consultant. According to the SSA, only about 13–15% of reconsiderations are approved nationwide, so prepare to continue.

Step 2: Request an ALJ Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, request an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing (Form HA-501). Most Maryland hearings are scheduled at:

Baltimore OHO

1010 Park Avenue, Suite 200

Baltimore, MD 21201 You may appear in person, by video, or by phone. The ALJ is independent from the SSA field offices.

Step 3: Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ decision is unfavorable, file a request (Form HA-520) with the Appeals Council in Falls Church, VA. The Appeals Council may grant, dismiss, or deny your request.

Step 4: Federal Court

Your final administrative remedy is a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. You must file within 60 days and serve the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.

5. When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While you have the right to self-represent, data from the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General consistently shows that claimants with representation are more likely to win benefits, particularly at ALJ and Appeals Council levels. Maryland attorneys are governed by the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct and must also comply with SSA fee regulations (20 C.F.R. § 404.1720). Typical contingency fees are capped at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is lower (adjusted periodically by the SSA).

Hire an attorney when:

• Your medical evidence is complex (e.g., combined physical and mental impairments).

• You have past-due benefits exceeding several thousand dollars.

• You need to cross-examine vocational or medical experts at an ALJ hearing.

6. Local Resources & Next Steps

Key SSA Field Offices in Maryland

• Baltimore (North): 7111 Security Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21244

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

• Hagerstown: 241 Frederick St, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Medical Providers Experienced in Disability Documentation

• The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore — Renowned for complex medical evidence.

• University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore — Offers specialized neurological and orthopedic evaluations.

Advocacy & Assistance

Disability Rights Maryland — State Protection and Advocacy agency. Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service — May provide pro bono assistance for low-income claimants. SSA Ticket to Work Program — Helps beneficiaries return to employment.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Maryland attorney about 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.