Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability Benefits: What Maryland Residents Need to Know
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when a medical condition has already disrupted your ability to work and manage daily life. Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A. helps individuals throughout Baltimore, Frederick, Essex, and Glen Burnie, Maryland understand how Social Security Disability programs work, what the Social Security Administration looks for when reviewing a claim, and what options may be available if a claim is denied. This page explains the basics of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), how it differs from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and what to expect at each stage of the process, from application to appeal.
Because Social Security Disability is a federal program, the rules that govern eligibility, medical evidence, and appeals apply the same way regardless of where in Maryland you live. What can differ is how well a claim is prepared and documented, which is often where a knowledgeable legal team makes a meaningful difference.
What Is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability refers to federal benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals who cannot engage in substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. There are two primary programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs use the same basic definition of disability, but they differ in how eligibility is determined and who qualifies.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient period of time before becoming disabled. Eligibility for SSDI is tied to a worker's earnings record rather than current financial need. Because SSDI is an insurance program funded through payroll taxes, it is often compared to other insurance benefits a worker earns over a career.
How SSDI Differs From SSI
SSI is a needs-based program funded by general tax revenue rather than Social Security taxes. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a specific work history. Instead, eligibility depends on limited income and resources, in addition to meeting the SSA's definition of disability. Some individuals may qualify for both programs simultaneously, depending on their work history and financial circumstances, though the two programs remain legally distinct and are evaluated under different rules.
Who May Qualify for SSDI?
To qualify for SSDI, an applicant generally must meet two separate requirements: an insured status requirement based on work history, and a medical requirement based on the SSA's definition of disability.
Work Credits and Insured Status
The SSA uses a system of work credits to determine insured status. Credits are earned based on income from employment or self-employment, and the number of credits needed typically depends on the applicant's age at the time the disability began. Someone who has not worked recently or who has a limited work history may not have enough credits to qualify for SSDI, even if they meet the medical definition of disability. In these situations, SSI may be worth exploring instead.
Basic Disability Requirements
Under federal law, a person is generally considered disabled for Social Security purposes if they have a medically determinable impairment that prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity, and the impairment is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This standard is intentionally strict. Having a diagnosed medical condition does not automatically mean a person meets this definition. The SSA evaluates the severity of the condition, how it limits specific physical or mental functions, and whether those limitations prevent the individual from performing not only their past work but also other types of work that may exist in the national economy.
How the Social Security Administration Evaluates Disability
The SSA follows a structured, multi-step process to evaluate disability claims. This process considers whether the applicant is currently working, whether the medical condition is severe, whether it meets or equals a condition on the SSA's list of recognized impairments, and whether the applicant retains the functional capacity to perform past work or other work. This last step often involves an assessment called a residual functional capacity evaluation, which looks at what a person can still do despite their limitations, such as how long they can sit, stand, walk, or concentrate during a workday.
This evaluation process explains why two people with the same diagnosis can have very different outcomes. Disability determinations are based on documented functional limitations, not simply the name of a medical condition.
The Social Security Disability Application Process
Applying for SSDI or SSI involves several steps, and thorough preparation often plays a significant role in how smoothly a claim moves forward.
Gathering personal and work information.
This includes identification, work history for the past several years, and details about earnings.
Compiling medical evidence
Applicants need documentation of diagnoses, treatment history, test results, and statements from treating providers describing functional limitations.
Completing the SSA application
Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Cooperating with SSA requests
The SSA may request additional records, schedule a consultative examination, or ask follow-up questions during its review.
Medical evidence is often the foundation of a successful claim. Treatment records, clinical notes, imaging results, and statements from treating physicians help establish both the diagnosis and how the condition affects a person's ability to function. Consistent, well-documented medical treatment can also help demonstrate the ongoing nature of a disabling condition.
Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied
Many initial disability applications are denied, and understanding common denial reasons can help applicants prepare stronger claims from the outset. Frequent reasons for denial include insufficient medical evidence, a lack of recent treatment, earning income above the substantial gainful activity threshold, failure to cooperate with the SSA's requests, or a determination that the applicant can still perform some type of work. Denials can also occur due to incomplete applications or missed deadlines for providing requested information.
A denial does not necessarily mean a claim lacks merit. In many cases, it reflects gaps in documentation or evidence that can be addressed during the appeals process.
The Social Security Disability Appeals Process
If a claim is denied, applicants have the right to appeal. The Social Security Disability appeals process generally follows four stages, and each stage has its own procedures and deadlines.
Reconsideration
The first level of appeal is called reconsideration, where a different SSA examiner reviews the claim, including any newly submitted evidence. This request typically must be filed within 60 days of receiving the denial notice.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing
If reconsideration is unsuccessful, the next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This hearing gives the applicant an opportunity to testify, present additional evidence, and respond to questions about their medical condition and functional limitations. Medical or vocational experts may also testify at this stage.
Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ denies the claim, the applicant may request review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can deny the request for review, decide the case directly, or send it back to the ALJ for further proceedings.
Federal Court Review
If the Appeals Council denies review or upholds an unfavorable decision, the final option is to file a civil action in federal district court. This step moves the case outside the SSA's administrative system and into the judicial system.
Each stage of the appeals process has strict filing deadlines, and missing a deadline can affect an applicant's ability to continue pursuing the claim. Because these timelines and procedural requirements can be complex, many applicants choose to seek legal guidance once they receive a denial notice.
Preparing for a Disability Hearing
An ALJ hearing is often the most significant opportunity to present a complete picture of how a medical condition affects daily functioning and work capacity. Strong preparation typically involves updated medical records, clear documentation of ongoing treatment, and a well-organized explanation of physical or mental limitations. Testimony about work history is also relevant, since the ALJ will consider whether the applicant can return to past work or adjust to other types of work given their age, education, and skills.
How a Social Security Disability Attorney May Help
Because the SSA's rules involve detailed medical and vocational standards, many applicants find it helpful to consult an attorney, particularly after receiving a denial. A Social Security Disability attorney at Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A. can help review medical records for completeness, communicate with treating providers, prepare an applicant for a hearing, and present legal arguments to an administrative law judge. Attorneys can also help ensure that appeal deadlines are met and that the strongest available evidence is submitted at each stage of the process.
Legal representation cannot guarantee a particular outcome, since every claim depends on the applicant's specific medical evidence and work history. However, thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the SSA's evaluation process can help applicants present their strongest possible case.
Considerations While Waiting for a Decision
Processing times for Social Security Disability claims can vary significantly depending on the stage of the process, the complexity of the medical evidence, and current SSA caseloads. While it is not possible to predict exactly how long a specific claim will take, applicants often benefit from continuing regular medical treatment, keeping detailed records of symptoms and limitations, and promptly responding to any SSA requests during this waiting period. Some applicants may also want to explore other potentially available benefits, such as short-term or long-term disability insurance through an employer, depending on their individual circumstances.
Serving Clients Throughout Baltimore,
Frederick, Essex, and Glen Burnie
Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A. works with individuals across Baltimore, Frederick, Essex, and Glen Burnie who are applying for Social Security Disability benefits or appealing a denied claim. Because SSDI and SSI are federal programs, the eligibility rules and appeals procedures are applied consistently no matter which of these Maryland communities a claimant calls home. What matters most is having accurate medical documentation and a clear understanding of the process, and the firm's attorneys work to provide that guidance to clients throughout the region.
Social Security Disability FAQs
Social Security Disability refers to federal programs, primarily SSDI and SSI, that provide monthly benefits to individuals who meet the SSA's definition of disability and satisfy the applicable program requirements.
SSDI is based on an applicant's work history and payment of Social Security taxes, while SSI is a needs-based program available to individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Qualification depends on meeting the SSA's medical definition of disability and, for SSDI, having sufficient work credits, or for SSI, meeting income and resource limits. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis under federal rules.
You may be eligible if your medical condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and you meet the applicable work history or financial requirements.
Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office, along with supporting medical and work history documentation.
Relevant evidence typically includes diagnostic records, treatment history, physician statements, and documentation describing how the condition limits physical or mental functioning.
Common reasons include insufficient medical evidence, lack of ongoing treatment, income above allowable limits, or an SSA determination that the applicant can still perform some type of work.
You may request reconsideration within the applicable deadline and consider gathering additional medical evidence to support your appeal.
The appeals process generally includes reconsideration, an administrative law judge hearing, Appeals Council review, and, if necessary, federal court review, each with its own filing requirements.
Applicants generally have 60 days from the date they receive a denial notice to request the next level of appeal, though specific circumstances may affect this timeline.
While not required, an attorney can help review evidence, prepare for hearings, and navigate appeal deadlines, particularly after a claim has been denied.
An administrative law judge reviews the case, may question the applicant about their condition and work history, and may hear testimony from medical or vocational experts before issuing a decision.
It depends on your income level. Earning above the SSA's substantial gainful activity threshold may affect eligibility, so it is important to understand how current work activity relates to your claim.
Work history determines whether you have sufficient work credits for insured status and is also considered when the SSA evaluates whether you can perform past work or adjust to other types of work.
Discuss Your Social Security Disability Questions
If you have questions about applying for Social Security Disability benefits, understanding a denial, or navigating the appeals process, Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A. is available to discuss your situation and explain your legal options. The firm serves clients throughout Baltimore, Frederick, Essex, and Glen Burnie, Maryland, and can help you understand what documentation and next steps may be relevant to your circumstances. Contact Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A. today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how the firm may be able to assist with your Social Security Disability claim or appeal.
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