SSDI Benefits in Maryland

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides monthly income to individuals who are no longer able to work due to a severe disability. This program, established under the Social Security Act, is funded through payroll taxes. Eligibility is determined by your work history and disability status.

What Does the SSA Do?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages SSDI. The agency assesses applications, determines eligibility, and distributes benefits to eligible Maryland residents.

The SSA will also periodically review SSDI recipients' cases to ensure they still meet the necessary disability criteria.

How to Qualify for SSDI

To be eligible for SSDI in Maryland, you must meet both the SSA's disability definition and the work credit requirements. You need to have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least a year, and have earned enough work credits by paying into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.

Definition of Disability

The SSA has a strict definition of disability. Your condition must be so severe that you cannot work. The SSA must also determine that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.

Please note that the SSA does not offer benefits for partial disability or short-term disability.

Work Credits

Work credits are a metric used by the SSA to determine your eligibility for SSDI. As you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn work credits &mdash up to 4 each year.

The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age when you become disabled. Most people need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

How to Apply for SSDI in Maryland

In Maryland, applying for SSDI benefits can be accomplished in three ways. The first is by visiting the Social Security Administration's online portal and completing an application.

The second method is to call the SSA toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 and schedule a telephone interview.

The third option is to visit a local SSA office and apply in person.

Apply for SSDI Benefits Online: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

Apply By Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Information Needed to Apply for SSDI in Maryland

When applying for SSDI in Maryland, you'll need several pieces of information and documentation:

• Your Social Security number.
• Your birth or baptismal certificate.
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of the doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that took care of you.
• Names and dosage of the medicines you take.
• Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers that you already have in your possession.
• Laboratory and test results.
• A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did.
• A copy of your most recent W-2 form or, if self-employed, your federal tax return.

Having well-organized documentation can help speed up the application process.

How to Appeal a Denial

If your SSDI application is denied, you still have options &mdash you can file an appeal. Many applications are initially declined but are approved upon appeal. Just be sure to submit your request within 60 days from the date of the denial notice.

In Maryland, there are four levels of appeal: Reconsideration, Hearing by an administrative law judge, Review by the Appeals Council, and Federal Court review.

The first step, Reconsideration, involves a complete review of your claim by an individual who did not take part in the first decision. If you disagree with the Reconsideration outcome, you can request a Hearing by an administrative law judge.

If you disagree with the Hearing decision, you can ask for a review by SSA's Appeals Council. If you disagree with the Appeals Council's decision or if the Appeals Council decides not to review your case, your final option is to file a lawsuit in a federal district court.

Do You Need a Disability Attorney?

Hiring a disability lawyer isn't a requirement for SSDI applicants, but it can significantly improve your chances of being approved. Disability lawyers understand the complex SSDI process and know how to best present your case. They can help gather necessary medical evidence, and represent you during the appeals process.

In Maryland, disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means you only pay them if you win your case and receive back pay. Attorney fees are also capped at 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200.

SSI Program in Maryland

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that assists Maryland residents with limited income and resources. The focus of the program is on older adults, blind individuals, and people with disabilities preventing them from working or performing daily activities.

Qualifying for SSI in Maryland involves meeting certain income and asset limits. Unlike SSDI, which is based on a person's work history and the accumulation of work credits, SSI supports low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled.

The following groups are eligible for SSI in Maryland:

• Adults aged 65 and above
• People who are blind
• People who are unable to work because of a disability

To apply for SSI in Maryland, you can apply online, by phone, or in person. Be prepared to provide detailed financial and medical information.

Apply for SSI Benefits Online: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/start.html

Apply By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to file your SSI application.

One advantage of qualifying for SSI in Maryland is that you are automatically eligible for other essential benefits, like food stamps and Medicaid. These benefits can help improve the quality of life for many Maryland residents.

Maryland - Social Security Disability Office Locations