Maryland Social Security Disability Lawyer | SSDI & SSI Attorney

On Point for You - When It Matters Most

If you’re struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, you may be dealing with significant financial stress, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. As of December 2021, around 2.7% of Maryland’s population aged 18–64 were receiving Social Security Disability benefits. However, securing these benefits can be a challenging and complicated process.

The Social Security Disability (SSD) system is intended to provide relief, but for many, it becomes an uphill battle—long wait times, confusing paperwork, and unexpected denials can make the process frustrating and exhausting.

Without professional legal help, your claim could be delayed or denied, leaving you without the benefits you need to cover essential living expenses and medical care. Many legitimate disability claims are denied simply due to missing paperwork or insufficient medical documentation.

You don’t have to go through this process alone.

Our Maryland Social Security Disability lawyers are here to fight for the benefits you deserve. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, we’re here to gather the necessary evidence, walk you through the paperwork, and stand by your side in hearings—so you can focus on your health while we manage the rest.

Reach out today—let’s work together to secure the benefits you deserve. Contact us onlineOr Call

Types of Social Security Disability benefits you may be entitled to in Maryland

There are two main types of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each has different eligibility requirements and benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is designed for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. It is not based on financial need but on your work history and medical condition.

  • Eligibility: Based on work history and FICA tax contributions. You must have earned enough work credits (typically 40, or about 10 years of work). You must have worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years, but not necessarily consecutively.
  • Benefits: Monthly payments based on your past earnings.
  • Health coverage: Eligible for Medicare after 24 months of SSDI benefits.
  • Income & assets: No income or asset limits, but you cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) (earning above the SSA’s monthly threshold). In this content, “substantial” means significant physical or mental work (or a combination of both), and “gainful” employment means performed or intended work for pay or profit that is not over $1,620 or $2,700 for a blind person.
  • Who qualifies: Workers who have contributed to Social Security and become disabled before reaching retirement age.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources who are unable to work due to a disability. Unlike SSDI, it does not require work history and is funded by general tax revenue, not Social Security payroll taxes.

  • Eligibility: Based strictly on financial need, regardless of work history.
  • Student eligibility: Students under 22 years can earn up to $9,460 per year with no effect on eligibility.
  • Benefits: Monthly payments at a fixed federal rate, plus potential state supplements.
  • Health coverage: Eligible for Medicaid (not Medicare) in Maryland and most other states.
  • Income & assets: Strict limits—$2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples in countable resources. Applicants for SSI are allowed to own one residential home (as long as they actually live in it) and one car. These two items are excluded in the assets count.
  • Who qualifies: Low-income individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged 65+.

 

Knowing which program you qualify for is just the first step. The application process is complex, and even small errors can lead to delays or denials. Our experienced social security disability lawyers are here to help guide you through every step of the process.

How our Maryland disability lawyers can help you secure Social Security Disability benefits

The Social Security Disability (SSD) process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re facing medical and financial challenges. Our disability lawyers are dedicated to improving your chances of approval by helping you with every step, ensuring accuracy, and advocating for your rights.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your SSD case. Contact us online | Or call

Do you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

Determining whether you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be complicated. Our team can help assess whether you qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both. The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies strict guidelines, and meeting the requirements depends on your medical condition, work history, or financial situation.

How Our Maryland Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help You Qualify

Our law firm carefully assesses your qualifications and guides you through every step of the process to improve your chances of approval. We ensure your application is complete, supported by strong medical evidence, and presented in a way that meets SSA’s strict criteria.

Even if your condition isn’t on the SSA’s official list, you may still qualify if it significantly limits your ability to work and perform daily activities. We work with medical professionals to gather the necessary documentation, ensuring your case is as strong as possible.

The Social Security Disability Application Process

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits involves several steps, each requiring detailed information and supporting evidence. A mistake or missing document can lead to delays or denials, which is why our team is here to guide you through every stage of the process.

1.Initial Application Submission

Filing your SSD application correctly is key to securing benefits as quickly as possible. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and daily limitations. Any missing or inaccurate details can result in delays or denials.

Our team ensures your application is complete, properly documented, and submitted correctly the first time.

2. Review Process

Once submitted, your application goes through a thorough review by the SSA, where officials determine if you meet medical and work-related eligibility criteria. This step involves evaluating your medical records, work history, and whether your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

We monitor your case throughout this process, ensuring that SSA has all required documentation. If additional evidence is needed, we help secure and submit it promptly to prevent unnecessary delays.

3. Potential Denials and Appeals

Many SSD claims are denied at the initial stage, often due to insufficient medical evidence or technical errors. A denial does not mean you are ineligible—many applicants successfully appeal and win benefits.

If your claim is denied, we take immediate action to appeal the decision. From requesting reconsideration to representing you at hearings, we handle every aspect of the appeals process to give you the best chance of securing benefits.

Why SSD Claims Are Often Denied & How Our SSI Disability Attorney Will Help

Below are some of the most common reasons claims are rejected:

  • Insufficient medical evidence: Your medical records must clearly show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. Without proper documentation from your healthcare providers, the SSA may not consider your condition disabling enough to qualify.
  • Application errors or missing information: Missing details or incomplete forms can cause immediate rejection. It’s essential that every section of the application is filled out correctly and that you provide all requested information, or the SSA will delay or deny your claim.
  • Failure to follow prescribed treatments: If the SSA believes that you have not followed prescribed treatments or doctors’ advice, they may assume your condition is not as serious. Following your doctor’s treatment plan and providing evidence of this adherence can strengthen your claim.
  • Earning too much income: SSDI applicants must not engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If your earnings exceed the threshold set by the SSA, you may not qualify for SSDI, even if you have a valid disability.
  • Lack of a qualifying medical condition: The SSA maintains a list of impairments that are automatically considered disabilities, but conditions not on the list may still qualify if they severely limit your ability to function. You’ll need strong medical evidence to demonstrate the extent of your limitations.
  • Failure to cooperate with the SSA: If you don’t respond to SSA requests for additional documentation, medical exams, or interviews, they may assume you are not eligible. It’s critical to comply with all SSA requests and deadlines to avoid a denial.
  • Previous denials without appeal: Some applicants mistakenly believe that a denial means they are ineligible and apply again. However, it’s important to file an appeal rather than submit a new application, as reapplying may delay the process and hurt your chances of approval.

Contact us today to get the help you need with your SSD claim. Contact us online | Or call 

What to Do If Your Social Security Disability Claim Was Denied

A denial does not mean the end of your case—many applicants successfully appeal and secure benefits. If your claim was denied, taking the right steps quickly can improve your chances of approval. Below is the process for challenging a denial and how we, as your lawyers, can help at each stage:

  • Contacting our lawyers for guidance: Many claims are denied due to missing information, insufficient medical evidence, or procedural errors. We will review your case, explain your options, and take immediate action to strengthen your claim to avoid further delays.
  • Reviewing your denial notice: The SSA provides a written explanation for every denial. We will carefully analyze this notice to pinpoint weaknesses in your application and determine the best way to move forward with a successful appeal.
  • Requesting reconsideration: The first step after a denial is to request reconsideration, a fresh review of your case by a different SSA evaluator. Our team handles this process to ensure that all the necessary medical records and supporting documents are submitted accurately and timely.
  • Gathering additional medical evidence: Many claims are denied due to insufficient medical documentation. We work with your healthcare providers, specialists, and expert witnesses to gather the strongest possible evidence to support your claim.
  • Representing you at a hearing before an ALJ: If your claim is denied after reconsideration, the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). We will prepare you thoroughly, submit new evidence, and represent you at the hearing to increase your chances of success.
  • Appealing to the Social Security Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, we can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. We will present strong legal arguments to demonstrate that the ALJ made errors in their decision and request a further review of your case.
  • Filing a lawsuit in federal court: If all other appeals are exhausted, we are prepared to take your case to federal court. Although rare, we are fully equipped to litigate on your behalf and fight for the benefits you deserve in the courtroom.

Contact Our Lawyers For Social Security Disability Today

Living with a disability is already challenging—dealing with the Social Security Disability system shouldn’t make it harder. We know that when you’re unable to work due to a serious medical condition, every day can be a struggle, both physically and financially. Our firm is committed to easing that burden by helping you secure the benefits you deserve.

If you’re facing a denied claim or feeling overwhelmed by the application process, you don’t have to go through it alone. We are here to fight for you, handle the legal complexities, and take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on your health.

Get in touch with us:

 

Note: We have conference centers for personal interviews or, if preferred, our attorneys can conduct interviews via phone or Zoom.

Contact us today to get started on your SSD claim.

Frequently asked questions about Social Security Disability

On average, it takes about 3-5 months to get an initial decision in Maryland. However, some cases may take longer, especially if there are complications or delays in submitting required documents.

Yes, Maryland participates in the federal SSDI and SSI programs. Additionally, eligible individuals can access Medicaid through the state, particularly for those receiving SSI.

Applicants represented by a lawyer are statistically more likely to succeed in appeals. A lawyer ensures your case is properly documented, and helps present a compelling case to increase your chances of winning.

Yes, mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia may qualify for SSD benefits if they significantly impact your ability to work and perform daily activities.

While you can file without a lawyer, having our legal representation will improve your chances of approval. Our lawyer ensures your application is thorough and that you meet SSA’s strict requirements, reducing the risk of delays or denials.

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