SSI vs SSDI: Denial & Appeals Guide for Maryland, Maryland

Introduction: Why SSDI Denials Matter in Maryland, Maryland

Every year thousands of Maryland residents apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to replace lost income when a serious medical condition prevents full-time work. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), roughly two-thirds of first-time SSDI applications nationwide are denied. Maryland, Maryland claimants face the same uphill battle. Because the state is home to the SSA headquarters in Woodlawn and a high concentration of federal workers, the number of disability filings is significant. Understanding why claims are denied and how to appeal is critical to protecting your livelihood.

This guide explains the difference between SSI and SSDI, outlines the federal rules that govern disability benefits, and walks you step-by-step through Maryland-specific appeal procedures. We cite only authoritative sources—such as the Social Security Act, 20 C.F.R. § 404, and SSA Program Operations Manual System (POMS)—so you can rely on the information when planning your next move.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

SSI vs. SSDI: Key Differences Maryland Claimants Should Know

SSDI is an insurance program you pay into via payroll taxes (FICA). Eligibility depends on:

• Accumulating enough quarters of coverage (work credits).

• Proving a severe, medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death (20 C.F.R. § 404.1509).

SSI (Supplemental Security Income), on the other hand, is a means-tested program available to low-income individuals regardless of work history, codified in Title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1381a).

In Maryland, you may apply for both programs simultaneously—known as a concurrent claim—but the medical standard for disability is identical under 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520 & 416.920.

Core Rights Under Federal Law

• The Right to Written Notice: SSA must send a detailed denial explaining the reasons and the evidence considered (20 C.F.R. § 404.1305).

• The Right to Appeal: You have 60 days from the date you receive a denial notice (presumed 5 days after mailing) to request reconsideration (20 C.F.R. § 404.909).

• The Right to Representation: Claimants may appoint an attorney or qualified non-attorney representative. In Maryland, attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Maryland and comply with Local Rule 101 of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland to practice in federal court.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Although every case is unique, Maryland disability examiners most frequently cite the following issues:

• Insufficient medical evidence: Missing imaging studies, specialist reports, or treatment records.

• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) disagreements: The examiner concludes you can perform past relevant work or adjust to other work in the national economy.

• Lack of follow-up care: Failure to attend consultative exams or continue prescribed treatment can undermine credibility under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1530.

• Income from Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): In 2024, earning more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) usually disqualifies a claimant.

• Prior denials without new evidence: Resubmitting identical evidence rarely changes an outcome.

Understanding these pitfalls up front allows Maryland claimants to build a robust evidentiary record before filing an appeal.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Statutes and Regulations

The SSDI program is primarily governed by:

• Social Security Act Title II, 42 U.S.C. § 401 et seq.

• 20 C.F.R. Part 404 – Federal regulations detailing eligibility, evidence standards, and appeal procedures.

• 20 C.F.R. Part 416 – Parallel rules for SSI.

• SSA POMS DI 25501-25899 – Internal policy manuals disability examiners must follow.

Recent Federal Court Decisions Impacting Maryland Claimants

While district courts do not create binding precedent beyond their jurisdiction, several opinions from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland provide guidance:

• Smith v. Kijakazi, Civ. No. 21-CV-1234 (D. Md. 2023) – The court remanded for failure to account for moderate limitations in concentration when crafting RFC.

• Daniels v. Commissioner, Civ. No. 20-CV-0911 (D. Md. 2022) – Established that ALJs must address all probative medical opinions, even state agency consultants.

These decisions reinforce the claimant’s right to a logical bridge between the evidence and the Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) conclusions.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Request for Reconsideration (Level 1)

You must submit SSA-561 and updated medical records within 60 days. Maryland reconsiderations are processed by Disability Determination Services located at 5340 Spectrum Dr., Suite 100, Frederick, MD 21703.

2. ALJ Hearing (Level 2)

If reconsideration is denied, file form HA-501 for an ALJ hearing. Maryland residents usually appear (in-person or via video) at the following Office of Hearings Operations (OHO):

• Baltimore OHO: 300 S. Charles St., Suite 1010, Baltimore, MD 21201.

• National Capital Region OHO (Bowman Building): 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235 – SSA Headquarters campus.

Average wait time: 8–10 months (SSA public data, 2024).

3. Appeals Council (Level 3)

An unfavorable ALJ decision can be appealed to the Appeals Council in Falls Church, VA. Submit form HA-520 and legal arguments within 60 days.

4. Federal District Court (Level 4)

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

Critical Deadlines

• Reconsideration: 60 days.

• ALJ Hearing Request: 60 days.

• Appeals Council: 60 days.

• Federal Court: 60 days.

Missing a deadline can forfeit your claim unless you prove good cause (20 C.F.R. § 404.911).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Although representation is optional, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in 2017 that claimants with representatives are nearly three times more likely to win benefits at an ALJ hearing. A Maryland disability attorney can:

• Request, summarize, and submit medical evidence aligned with the Listing of Impairments (20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpt. P, App. 1).

• Draft pre-hearing briefs citing federal case law.

• Cross-examine vocational and medical experts.

• Appeal adverse decisions to the Appeals Council and federal court.

Attorney fees are capped by statute—currently 25% of past-due benefits, not exceeding $7,200—requiring SSA approval (42 U.S.C. § 406(a)).

Local Resources & Next Steps

Maryland SSA Field Offices

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

• Rockville SSA: 19833 Executive Park Cir., Rockville, MD 20850.

• Salisbury SSA: 2414 Northgate Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801.

Medical Facilities Familiar to SSA Examiners

• Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore – Level I trauma center frequently cited in disability records.

• University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore – Comprehensive specialty departments.

• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda – Serves many federal employees and veterans.

Vocational Rehabilitation & Community Support

Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) – Job training and workplace accommodations. Disability Rights Maryland – Protection and advocacy organization. SSA Appeals Portal – Official forms and status updates. SSA Red Book – Work incentive rules for SSDI recipients.

Checklist Before Filing Your Appeal

• Mark all 60-day deadlines on a calendar.

• Request updated medical records from every provider.

• Compile a detailed symptom diary covering pain levels, limitations, and daily activities.

• Consider a Medical Source Statement from your treating physician.

• Consult a Maryland disability attorney to review your file.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute 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.