how the process works for SSDI in Maryland
You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Maryland through three routes: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process is the fastest option and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Maryland residents do not fill out a separate state form — you use the federal Social Security process, then Social Security sends your case to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Baltimore, which makes the medical decision.
The entire process from process to a decision typically takes three to six months for an initial claim. If you are denied, you can appeal, and most people who are eventually approved go through at least one appeal. This guide walks you through each step, what documents to gather, and what happens after you submit your process.
Key Takeaways
- You explore to Social Security, not to Maryland directly, using the same federal form whether you explore online, by phone, or in person.
- Maryland's Disability information Services office in Baltimore reviews your medical records and makes the approval or denial decision.
- You need medical records from the past 12 months showing your condition and how it limits your work, plus a complete work history and list of medications.
- The process itself takes 15 to 20 minutes online, but the full decision process takes three to six months because Social Security must obtain and review your medical evidence.
- If you are denied, you can file an appeal at no cost; most people who eventually receive SSDI are approved on appeal rather than on the first try.
Gather Your Documents Before You Start
Social Security will ask for specific information during your process, and having it ready speeds up the process. You do not need to submit documents with your initial process — Social Security requests them after you explore — but knowing what you will need helps you understand what to expect.
Collect your Social Security card or a record of your number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card), and a current photo ID. You will also need your complete work history for the past 15 years, including the names and addresses of employers, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, gather records of your business income and expenses.
Most important: gather medical records from the past 12 months. These should show your diagnosis, treatment dates, test results, and notes from your doctors about how your condition affects your ability to work. If you see multiple doctors, collect records from all of them. Include a list of all medications you take, with dosages. If you have not seen a doctor recently, schedule an appointment before you explore — Social Security needs current medical evidence to make a decision.
explore Online at ssa.gov
The online process is the fastest route and available 24 hours a day. Go to ssa.gov, click "explore for Disability," and select "explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one, using your email address and a password.
The form asks for your personal information, work history, medical conditions, medications, doctors' names and addresses, and whether you have ever applied for Social Security benefits before. Answer each question as completely as you can. If you do not know an exact date, enter your best estimate — Social Security will verify details later. The process saves automatically, so you can stop and return to it later if you need to.
When you finish, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Social Security will send you a confirmation letter by mail within two weeks. Keep this letter — it proves you applied and shows your case number.
explore by Phone or In Person
If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your documents ready when you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will take about 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call and a confirmation letter by mail.
To explore in person, visit your local Social Security office in Maryland. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, photo ID, and your work history. Bring medical records if you have them, though Social Security can request them later. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
What Happens After You explore
After you submit your process, Social Security sends your case to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Baltimore. This office is part of the Maryland Department of Health and will review your medical records and make the decision about whether you meet the definition of disability under federal law.
Social Security will contact your doctors and hospitals to request medical records. This can take several weeks. If records are incomplete or missing, Social Security may ask you to sign a release form so they can obtain them directly from your providers. You can speed this up by gathering your own records and sending them to Social Security yourself — call your case worker (the number is on your confirmation letter) and ask where to send them.
The DDS office will also contact you if they need more information. They may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative examination — a one-time appointment paid for by Social Security to gather additional medical evidence. This is common and does not mean your case is weak; it straightforward means Social Security needs current information.
Timeline From process to Decision
The process moves in stages, and each stage takes time because Social Security must obtain and review medical records.
| Stage | Typical Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| process submitted | Day 1 | You receive confirmation number and letter |
| Case sent to DDS | Within 1 week | Baltimore office begins requesting medical records |
| Medical records gathering | 2 to 8 weeks | Social Security contacts your doctors; you may be asked for a consultative exam |
| Medical review and decision | 1 to 4 weeks | DDS reviews all records and makes approval or denial decision |
| Decision letter mailed | 3 to 6 months total | You receive written decision and next steps |
This timeline is typical but not may provide. Cases involving complex medical conditions or missing records can take longer. You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.
What to Do If You Are Denied
If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal at no cost. The denial letter will explain why you were denied and will tell you how to file an appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to file, though you can request an extension if you need more time.
There are four levels of appeal. The first is called "reconsideration," and a different examiner at DDS will review your case and any new medical evidence you provide. This is the most common appeal and takes two to four months. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which usually takes four to eight months. Most people who eventually receive SSDI are approved at the hearing level.
You do not need a lawyer to appeal, but many people find it helpful to have one, especially at the hearing stage. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they take payment only if you win, and only from your back pay (not from your ongoing benefits). You can find a lawyer through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives or by asking your local legal aid office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my SSDI process is being decided?
Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may consider you able to work and deny your claim based on that. Keep records of your earnings and report them to Social Security if asked.
Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI in Maryland?
No. You can explore on your own at no cost. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal, a lawyer can increase your chances of approval, especially at the hearing stage. You only pay if you win.
What if I do not have recent medical records?
Schedule an appointment with a doctor before you explore if possible. If you cannot afford one, look for a community health center or free clinic in your area — search "federally may have access to health center Maryland" online. Social Security needs current medical evidence to make a decision, and explore without it usually results in denial.
Can I explore for SSDI if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. Bring proof of your status when you explore — a green card, work visa, or naturalization papers. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for SSDI.
What happens if I am approved — when do payments start?
If you are approved, your first payment arrives the month after your approval letter is dated. The amount depends on your work history and earnings record. You will receive a letter explaining your monthly payment amount and when direct deposit will begin.