SSDI Denial Guide for Maryland, Maryland Claimants

Introduction: Why SSDI Matters to Maryland, Maryland Residents

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is a lifeline for thousands of Maryland residents who can no longer work because of a serious medical condition. In 2022, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that roughly 9.2 million Americans received SSDI benefits, and nearly 125,000 of those beneficiaries lived in Maryland. Unfortunately, a significant portion of first-time applications—nationally and in Maryland—are denied. If you live anywhere from Baltimore City to Salisbury, understanding why denials happen and how to appeal is critical. This comprehensive guide explains your federal rights, Maryland-specific resources, and strategic next steps so you can protect your claim.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

SSDI is governed by federal law, primarily Title II of the Social Security Act and its implementing regulations at 20 C.F.R. Part 404. Key claimant rights include:

• The right to file an application without charge, discrimination, or unreasonable delay (20 C.F.R. §404.614).

• The right to a written decision that explains why the SSA granted or denied benefits (20 C.F.R. §404.953).

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

• The right to appeal an unfavorable determination through four escalating levels: Reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court (20 C.F.R. §404.900).

Maryland claimants also benefit from a robust legal community. Any lawyer who represents you must be licensed by the Maryland State Bar or another U.S. jurisdiction and comply with SSA fee-approval rules (20 C.F.R. §404.1720).

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

The SSA denies roughly two-thirds of initial SSDI applications. Common, documented reasons include:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – Failing to provide objective tests, treatment notes, or specialist opinions demonstrating a severe impairment lasting (or expected to last) at least 12 months (20 C.F.R. §404.1509).

• Earnings Above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) – In 2023, earning more than $1,470 per month ($2,460 if blind) can disqualify a claimant (20 C.F.R. §404.1571-404.1574).

• Non-Compliance With Prescribed Treatment – The SSA may deny benefits if you do not follow physicians’ orders without a valid reason (20 C.F.R. §404.1530).

• Short Work Credits – SSDI requires sufficient “quarters of coverage.” Many younger Maryland workers are denied for lacking enough recent work history (20 C.F.R. §404.130-404.141).

• Failure to Cooperate – Missing consultative exams or deadlines can sink a claim.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Several federal laws and regulations protect disability claimants:

• Social Security Act §205(b) guarantees due process before the federal government can deprive a person of benefits.

• 20 C.F.R. §404.909 sets a strict 60-day deadline to request reconsideration after an initial denial.

• 20 C.F.R. §404.935 requires that new evidence be submitted no later than five business days before an ALJ hearing.

• 20 C.F.R. §404.970 governs Appeals Council review standards, focusing on errors of law or substantial evidence.

Federal courts—including the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals—have issued numerous opinions reinforcing these protections. For example, Radford v. Colvin, 734 F.3d 288 (4th Cir. 2013) clarified that the SSA must provide a logical bridge between medical evidence and its conclusions.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Notice of Disapproved Claim

The denial letter outlines the medical and technical reasons for rejection and states your 60-day appeal deadline.

2. File a Timely Reconsideration

Submit SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) within 60 days. You can file online or at your local Maryland SSA office. Attach any new medical records or clarifications.

3. Prepare for the Administrative Law Judge Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, request an ALJ hearing (SSA-501) within 60 days. In Maryland, hearings are usually held at the Baltimore Office of Hearings Operations (300 S. Charles St., Suite 2200, Baltimore, MD 21201) or via video teleconference at local SSA field offices in Glen Burnie, Towson, and Hagerstown.

• Gather evidence: Updated MRIs, lab results, functional capacity evaluations, and treating-physician opinions.

• Work history report: SSA-3369 helps the ALJ understand the physical and mental demands of your past jobs.

• Witnesses: Friends, family, or former supervisors can testify about daily limitations.

4. Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ rules against you, request Appeals Council review in Falls Church, Virginia (20 C.F.R. §404.967). New, material evidence dated before the ALJ decision may be considered.

5. Federal Court

The final administrative option is filing a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland within 60 days of the Appeals Council denial (42 U.S.C. §405(g)).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While claimants may self-represent, data from the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General shows that represented claimants have higher success rates, particularly at the ALJ level. A knowledgeable Maryland disability attorney can:

• Review your electronic folder (e-Folder) for missing evidence.

• Obtain detailed questionnaires (RFC forms) from treating doctors.

• Cross-examine vocational or medical experts during your hearing.

• Ensure compliance with 20 C.F.R. §404.1740 ethical standards.

Attorney fees are contingency-based and capped at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less, per 20 C.F.R. §404.1730.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Key SSA Field Offices in Maryland

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

• Prince George’s County (Greenbelt): 6401 Golden Triangle Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20770

• Eastern Shore (Salisbury): 2414 Northgate Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801

Statewide Assistance

Disability Rights Maryland – free legal advocacy for eligible residents. Maryland Health Connection – Medicaid access after SSDI approval. Maryland Manual Online – directory of local SSA contacts. SSA Office of Hearings Operations – official information on appeals process.

Vocational & Medical Facilities

• Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore) – frequently cited for consultative exams.

• University of Maryland Medical Center – comprehensive specialty care.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about SSDI denials and appeals and is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed Maryland attorney regarding 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.