SSI & SSDI: Denial Appeals Guide—Maryland, Maryland

Introduction: A Maryland, Maryland Guide to SSI and SSDI Denials

If you live in Maryland, Maryland and received a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) denial, you are not alone—and you have a clear path to appeal. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is headquartered in Woodlawn, Maryland (Baltimore County), and applies uniform federal rules to disability claims nationwide. That means Maryland residents navigate the same standards, timelines, and multi-level appeals process as claimants in other states, but with access to local SSA field offices and hearing sites serving communities from the Baltimore metro to the Eastern Shore.

This guide explains your rights, the federal regulations that govern disability decisions, common reasons denials occur, and concrete steps you can take to strengthen your appeal. It is written to slightly favor claimant protection while remaining strictly factual and grounded in authoritative sources, including the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the Social Security Act, and SSA’s official guidance. You will also find Maryland-specific context on locating your nearest office and where federal court review happens for Maryland residents.

SSDI is an insurance benefit available to workers who paid into Social Security and can no longer work at substantial gainful activity levels because of a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Although this article focuses on SSDI denials and appeals, the SSI appeal steps are parallel and governed by a similar set of rules in 20 C.F.R. Part 416.

Most initial claims are denied. An early denial does not mean you cannot win on appeal. Many Maryland claimants ultimately succeed by submitting additional medical evidence, clarifying work history and functional limitations, and presenting their case at a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). Understanding the process—and the legal standards SSA must follow—can make the difference.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights Under Federal Law

Your core eligibility standard

Under the Social Security Act, disability for SSDI purposes means the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. See Social Security Act § 223(d), codified at 42 U.S.C. § 423(d). SSA applies a five-step “sequential evaluation” to every adult claim, including in Maryland. That process is codified at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 and asks:

• Are you working at SGA levels?
• Do you have a severe impairment?
• Does your impairment meet or equal a Listing (Appendix 1 to Subpart P of Part 404)?
• Can you perform your past relevant work?
• Can you do other work given your residual functional capacity (RFC), age, education, and experience?

SSA’s decision must be based on objective medical evidence and other evidence in your file. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512 (claimant’s duty to submit evidence) and § 404.1545 (RFC assessment).

Your due process and appeal rights

Every Maryland claimant has the right to challenge an adverse determination through the SSA administrative appeals system. The principal stages are reconsideration, hearing before an ALJ, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court review. Each stage generally has a 60-day filing window after you receive the notice, and SSA presumes you receive notices five days after the date on the notice unless you can show otherwise. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909 (reconsideration), 404.933 (hearing request), 404.968 (Appeals Council), and 404.901 (five-day mailing presumption). If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you may file a civil action in federal district court within 60 days of receiving the final decision. See Social Security Act § 205(g), 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

Your right to representation

You may appoint a representative at any point, including for appeals. Representatives may be attorneys or qualified non-attorneys. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1700–404.1715 and § 404.1705. Fees must be approved by SSA under 42 U.S.C. § 406(a) and 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1720–404.1725.

Language access and reasonable accommodations

SSA provides free interpretation services upon request and accommodates disabilities in its process, including at hearings. You can ask for accommodations when you appeal or contact your local office. These are part of SSA’s commitments to accessible service and due process.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Knowing why denials happen can help you target your appeal. The following are among the most frequent grounds, all tied to the standards in the CFR and the Social Security Act:

• Insufficient medical evidence: SSA requires objective medical evidence from acceptable medical sources to establish impairments and limitations. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1513 and § 404.1512. Gaps in treatment, missing specialist records, or lack of longitudinal evidence can undermine claims.
• Not meeting the 12-month duration requirement: The impairment must be expected to result in death or last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). Short-duration conditions—even if severe—may not qualify.
• Working above SGA: Earning above SGA levels can lead to denial at Step 1. SSA sets SGA amounts annually; if your average monthly earnings exceed SGA, SSA may find you not disabled at Step 1 of 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.
• Impairment does not meet or equal a Listing: If your impairment does not meet or medically equal a Listing in Appendix 1, SSA proceeds to RFC and vocational analysis. Many claims are denied at Steps 4 or 5 when SSA finds the claimant can still do past work or other work.
• Adverse RFC determination: SSA may assess an RFC allowing for sedentary or light work. If vocational rules (the Medical-Vocational Guidelines in Subpart P, Appendix 2) direct a “not disabled” finding based on age, education, and RFC, SSA may deny at Step 5.
• Failure to attend consultative examinations (CEs) or cooperate: Not responding to requests for information or failing to attend an SSA-scheduled CE can result in a decision based on the existing record, which often leads to denial. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1518.
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment without good reason: If SSA finds you failed to follow treatment expected to restore ability to work, and you lack good cause, your claim may be denied. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1530.
• Insufficient proof of work history/insured status (for SSDI): SSDI requires sufficient work credits and a “date last insured.” If records are incomplete or incorrect, SSA may deny for lack of insured status.

Denials often turn on documentation. The appeal is your opportunity to fill evidentiary gaps with updated medical records, detailed function reports, and opinion evidence from your treating sources that tie clinical findings to specific, work-related limitations.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations You Can Use

Several key federal provisions control how SSA must decide Maryland SSDI appeals:

• Definition of disability: Social Security Act § 223(d), 42 U.S.C. § 423(d).
• Sequential evaluation: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 (five-step process); listings at 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1; RFC at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545.
• Evidence requirements and duties: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512 (duty to submit evidence), § 404.1513 (medical and nonmedical evidence). At the hearing level, SSA expects evidence at least five business days before the hearing unless you show good cause. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.935.
• Appeal timelines and good cause: Reconsideration (20 C.F.R. § 404.909), hearing requests (20 C.F.R. § 404.933), Appeals Council review (20 C.F.R. § 404.968), five-day receipt presumption (20 C.F.R. § 404.901), and good cause for late filing (20 C.F.R. § 404.911).
• Judicial review: Social Security Act § 205(g), 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). You may seek review in the federal district court for the judicial district where you reside in Maryland. If there is no district, jurisdiction lies in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; Maryland residents ordinarily file in the District of Maryland.
• Representation and fees: 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1700–404.1715 (representation), fee approval under 42 U.S.C. § 406(a) and 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1720–404.1725.

These provisions ensure nationwide uniformity, including in Maryland. If a decision strays from these standards—by discounting consistent medical evidence without adequate explanation, by misapplying vocational rules, or by ignoring regulatory deadlines and rights—those errors can be powerful grounds for appeal.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial in Maryland, Maryland

1) Mark your appeal deadline immediately

You generally have 60 days from when you receive the denial to appeal, and SSA presumes receipt five days after the notice date. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909, 404.901. Do not let this window lapse. If you miss it, you may ask for an extension by showing good cause under 20 C.F.R. § 404.911, but it is far safer to file on time.

2) Choose the correct appeal level

• Reconsideration: File SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) and SSA-3441 (Disability Report – Appeal). This is a fresh review by a different adjudicative team. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.909.
• ALJ hearing: If reconsideration is denied, request a hearing with an ALJ using HA-501 or the online process. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.933.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, request Appeals Council review. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.968. The Council may deny review, remand, or issue its own decision.
• Federal court: After the Appeals Council’s final action, file a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland within 60 days of receiving the final decision. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

3) Build the best possible evidentiary record

Evidence drives outcomes. Focus on:

• Updated medical records: Obtain complete, current records from all treating providers. Include test results, imaging, specialist notes, and hospitalizations.
• Functional evidence: Ask treating providers to describe specific limitations in sitting, standing, walking, lifting, handling, concentrating, and maintaining pace and attendance. Tie symptoms to clinical findings.
• Medication effects and side effects: Document how medications affect your ability to work, including fatigue, cognitive slowing, or gastrointestinal issues.
• Activities of daily living (ADLs): Provide accurate detail about what you can and cannot do. Be consistent across forms and testimony.
• Third-party statements: Statements from family, friends, or former supervisors who observe your limitations can corroborate your account. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1513(a)(4).
• Work history detail: Clarify duties, physical demands, and skill levels of your past jobs so SSA can evaluate Step 4 and Step 5 correctly. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560–404.1568.

4) Keep SSA informed and meet requests

Respond promptly to SSA’s requests for information and attend any consultative examinations scheduled. Failure to cooperate can lead to denial based on an incomplete record. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1518.

5) Prepare for your ALJ hearing

At the hearing, you can testify, submit exhibits, and question vocational or medical experts. Hearings may be in person, by video, or by telephone. Submit evidence at least five business days before the hearing unless you have good cause. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.935. Organize your medical timeline, practice explaining your limitations with specific examples, and consider representation to handle objections and cross-examination.

6) Consider representation by a Maryland disability attorney or qualified representative

Representation can help with evidence development, briefing legal issues, preserving objections, and cross-examining experts—particularly in cases turning on complex vocational grids or subtle credibility findings. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1700–404.1715.

What Happens at Each Appeal Stage

Reconsideration

A different Disability Determination Services (DDS) examiner and medical or psychological consultant review your claim anew. You may submit additional evidence and clarifications. Use this chance to correct misunderstandings from the initial denial and to close any gaps in the medical record.

ALJ Hearing

The ALJ is independent of DDS and must issue a written decision with specific findings of fact and reasons. The judge follows the five-step sequential evaluation (20 C.F.R. § 404.1520) and considers all evidence, including testimony. Vocational experts often testify about whether jobs exist that match your RFC, age, education, and skills. If the ALJ discounts a treating source opinion, the decision must explain why under the applicable regulations.

Appeals Council Review

The Appeals Council reviews for legal error, abuse of discretion, lack of substantial evidence, or new and material evidence that relates to the period on or before the ALJ decision and shows a reasonable probability of changing the outcome. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.970. The Council can deny review, remand to the ALJ, or issue its own decision.

Federal Court Review

In Maryland, you generally file in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The court reviews whether the SSA decision is supported by substantial evidence and whether proper legal standards were applied. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). There is no new evidence at this stage except in limited circumstances; the case is decided on the administrative record and legal briefs.

Maryland-Specific Logistics: Offices, Filing, and Hearings

Maryland residents can appeal online, by mail, or in person at SSA field offices serving their county. To find the correct local office for filings, appointments, or document drop-off, use SSA’s official locator:

Find Your Local Social Security Office (SSA Office Locator)Key Maryland context:

• SSA Headquarters: SSA’s national headquarters is located in Woodlawn, Maryland (in Baltimore County). While headquarters does not handle individual case intake, its presence underscores the strong SSA footprint in the state.
• Hearings: Maryland claimants may have hearings conducted in person or by video/telephone. Hearing locations and modalities are set by SSA and may vary; check notices and communicate any accommodation needs to your assigned hearing office.
• Appeals Council: Appeals Council operations are national and not specific to Maryland; many functions are based in Falls Church, Virginia. This does not affect your right to appeal.
• Federal court venue: Judicial review for Maryland residents is ordinarily filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

Whether you live in Baltimore, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, the Eastern Shore, or Western Maryland, you should rely on the office locator to confirm the correct field office for in-person services and mailing addresses because those can change.

Strengthening Your Medical Proof

SSA’s regulations emphasize medical evidence. The following strategies align with 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512 and related rules:

• Coordinate with treating providers: Ask your doctors to provide longitudinal notes, imaging, test results, and opinions connecting objective findings to specific functional limits (for example, lifting restricted to 10 pounds, standing/walking under 2 hours, off-task 15% of the day).
• Document variability and flare-ups: Many conditions wax and wane. Explain frequency, duration, and severity of flares and their impact on reliability and attendance.
• Track side effects: Keep a log of medication side effects and communicate them to your providers so they appear in your chart.
• Report mental health symptoms precisely: For depression, anxiety, PTSD, or cognitive disorders, record how symptoms affect concentration, persistence, pace, and social interaction. Include therapy notes and standardized assessments when available.
• Explain ADLs without minimizing: Clarify how you complete tasks—how long they take, whether you need breaks or assistance, and whether you pay for it with pain or fatigue later.

Vocational Evidence and the Medical-Vocational Guidelines

At Step 5, SSA considers whether jobs exist in the national economy that you can perform. The Medical-Vocational Guidelines (the “grids”) in Appendix 2 to Subpart P of Part 404 may direct a finding of “disabled” for older workers with limited education and unskilled work histories even with an RFC for sedentary work. Younger claimants often need stronger functional evidence to overcome vocational expert testimony that jobs exist. Keep your work history detailed and accurate so the ALJ and vocational expert classify past work properly under 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560–404.1568.

Deadlines and the Statute of Limitations You Must Know

• Reconsideration: 60 days from receipt of the initial denial. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.909 and § 404.901.
• ALJ hearing request: 60 days from receipt of the reconsideration denial. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.933.
• Appeals Council request: 60 days from receipt of the ALJ decision. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.968.
• Federal court complaint: 60 days after receipt of the Appeals Council decision or denial of review. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). SSA may extend time for good cause.

Missing a deadline can end your claim, but SSA may extend deadlines if you demonstrate good cause. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.911 for examples of good cause (such as serious illness or not receiving the notice).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While representation is not required, many Maryland claimants benefit from an attorney or qualified representative—especially when:

• Multiple impairments interact (e.g., combined physical and mental limitations) and require careful RFC analysis.
• Vocational factors (age, transferable skills) or the Medical-Vocational Guidelines are central.
• You need to cross-examine a vocational expert about job numbers, skill transferability, or erosion of the occupational base.
• There are procedural issues (late evidence, missed deadline with potential good cause, or an incomplete exhibit file).

Representatives can gather and index records, prepare pre-hearing briefs tying facts to the law, and present focused testimony. Representation and fees are governed by 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1700–404.1725 and 42 U.S.C. § 406(a). SSA must approve fees.

Attorney licensing in Maryland

In Maryland, legal advice about Maryland law must be provided by lawyers admitted to practice by the state’s licensing authority and in good standing. For SSA matters, non-attorney representatives may also appear if they meet SSA’s requirements (20 C.F.R. § 404.1705), but only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice as an attorney in Maryland. If your case proceeds to federal court, your counsel must be admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland or obtain permission to appear under that court’s rules.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Maryland Residents

Finding your local SSA office

Use SSA’s official locator to identify the nearest field office serving your ZIP code, along with mailing addresses and hours:

SSA Field Office Locator for Maryland ResidentsField office locations and hours can change, so confirm before visiting. You can also file appeals and upload documents online through your my Social Security account.

Appeals and hearings information

For a high-level overview of the appeal stages, SSA maintains an authoritative page describing reconsideration, hearings, Appeals Council review, and court review, including links to start an appeal online:

SSA: How the Disability Appeals Process Works### Key legal texts you may cite in your appeal

20 C.F.R. § 404.909 (Reconsideration—time and place to request)42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (Judicial Review—Social Security Act § 205(g)) These links are authoritative and reflect the controlling federal standards that apply to disability appeals filed from Maryland.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances on Appeal

• Appeal rather than reapply: Filing a new application can reset your timeline and forfeit potential back benefits. Unless directed otherwise, appeal within the deadline.
• Tell a consistent story: Ensure your statements across forms, medical notes, and testimony align. Inconsistencies are often cited in denials.
• Explain work attempts: If you tried part-time or accommodated work, explain why it ended and how your limitations prevented sustained work.
• Be precise about limitations: Quantify how long you can sit, stand, walk, lift, and focus, and how often you would be off task or absent.
• Account for flares and recovery time: Indicate how many days per month symptoms would cause you to miss work or be less productive.
• Request your file: Review your exhibit file for missing records or errors to correct before the hearing.

Special Considerations for SSI in Maryland

SSI appeals mirror SSDI appeals but are governed by 20 C.F.R. Part 416. While financial eligibility differs (resource and income limits), the disability standard for adults and the basic appeal stages are parallel. If you filed for both SSDI and SSI (a “concurrent” claim), ensure all your appeals reference both claim types so nothing is left behind.

Frequently Asked Questions for Maryland Claimants

How long do I have to appeal?

Generally 60 days after you receive the notice (with a five-day mailing presumption). See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.909, 404.901, 404.933, 404.968. For federal court, it is 60 days from receipt of the Appeals Council’s final decision under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

Can I submit new medical evidence?

Yes. You can submit new evidence at reconsideration and before the ALJ hearing. At the ALJ level, submit at least five business days before the hearing unless you can show good cause. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.935.

Will I have to attend a consultative exam?

Possibly. If SSA needs more information, it may schedule an exam at no cost to you. Attend these exams and provide honest, consistent information. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1519a and § 404.1518.

Do I need a Maryland disability attorney?

Representation is optional but can be beneficial. A Maryland-licensed attorney understands local hearing practices and federal law, can develop evidence, and argue your case. Representation is governed by 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1700–404.1725 and 42 U.S.C. § 406(a).

Checklist: Your Maryland SSDI Denial Appeal

• Record the 60-day deadline from the date on the notice (plus five days for mailing).
• File the correct appeal (reconsideration first) online, by mail, or at your SSA field office.
• Submit SSA-3441 and SSA-827 and gather updated medical records.
• Ask treating providers for detailed functional statements linked to objective findings.
• Respond to all SSA requests and attend any consultative exams.
• Before the hearing, submit evidence at least five business days in advance and consider a pre-hearing brief.
• Consider appointing a representative; ensure any attorney is licensed to practice in Maryland.
• If denied at the ALJ level, request Appeals Council review within 60 days; then consider federal court within 60 days of the final action.

SEO Notes for Maryland Readers

Many Maryland residents search for terms like “social security disability,” “maryland disability attorney,” “SSDI appeals,” and the primary phrase “SSDI denial appeal maryland maryland.” Use the SSA office locator and appeals page linked above to navigate the process confidently.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for Maryland, Maryland residents about SSDI and SSI denials and appeals. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and regulations can change. You should consult a licensed Maryland attorney about your specific situation.

Authoritative Resources

SSA Disability Appeals OverviewSSA Field Office Locator20 C.F.R. § 404.909 (Reconsideration)42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (Judicial Review) If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.