Where to Start Your Disability Claim in Maryland

You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the federal Social Security Administration, not through a Maryland state office. The process is the same whether you live in Maryland or any other state, but Maryland residents have three ways to begin: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at a local Social Security field office.

The online route is fastest if you have a my Social Security account and can gather documents before you start. The phone route works if you prefer to answer questions with a representative. The in-person route at a Maryland field office takes longer to schedule but lets you hand over documents directly and ask questions face-to-face.

Maryland has 23 Social Security field offices across the state. You do not need to visit the one nearest you—you can file at any office, though calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is practical. The Social Security Administration's office locator at ssa.gov/locator will show you addresses and phone numbers for offices in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • You file for SSDI or SSI through the federal Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at a Maryland field office; there is no separate Maryland disability program.
  • You will need medical records, work history, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and tax returns or pay stubs to start your claim.
  • The Social Security Administration typically takes three to five months to make an initial decision, though some cases take longer if your medical evidence is incomplete.
  • If the Social Security Administration denies your claim, you can request reconsideration within 60 days, and most people who are denied eventually win on appeal.
  • Maryland has free legal aid organizations that represent people in disability appeals at no cost if your income is low enough.

Documents You Need Before You File

Gather these documents before you contact Social Security, whether you file online, by phone, or in person. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will need to submit them later.

Proof of identity and citizenship: Bring your Social Security card, driver's license or state ID, and birth certificate. If you were not born in the United States, bring your passport, green card, or visa showing your legal residency status. A photocopy is acceptable for most documents.

Medical records: Collect records from every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or specialist who has treated you for the condition that prevents you from working. Include test results, imaging reports, therapy notes, and medication lists. If you have not seen a doctor recently, schedule an appointment before you file—the Social Security Administration needs current medical evidence, not just old records. You do not need to submit all records with your initial claim, but you should have them organized and know where to find them quickly.

Work history: List every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years.

Financial records: For SSI claims, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements showing your current income and resources. SSDI does not have income or resource limits, so you only need these if you are filing for SSI or both programs.

Filing Online Through Your Social Security Account

Filing online is the fastest route if you already have a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov, sign in or create an account, and select "explore for Retirement, Family, or Disability Benefits." The form will ask about your medical condition, work history, and current income. You can save your progress and return later if you need to gather more information.

After you submit the online form, the Social Security Administration will contact you within a few days to confirm receipt and ask any follow-up questions. They will tell you what documents to send and where to mail or upload them. You can upload documents directly through your my Social Security account or mail them to the address they provide.

Online filing does not speed up the decision itself—the Social Security Administration still takes the same amount of time to review your medical evidence and make a information. But it eliminates the wait to schedule an appointment and reduces paperwork errors that can delay processing.

Filing by Phone or at a Field Office

If you file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will tell you what documents to mail or bring in person. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks.

If you file in person at a Maryland field office, bring all your documents and a photo ID. The representative will fill out the form with you and will make copies of your documents on the spot. This route is useful if you have complex medical history or work situation that is hard to explain over the phone, or if you prefer to hand over original documents rather than mail them.

Whether you file by phone or in person, ask the representative for a receipt or confirmation number before you leave or hang up. Write it down—you will need it if you have questions about your claim later.

What Happens After You File

After you submit your claim, the Social Security Administration sends it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Maryland. This is a state agency that works under contract with Social Security to review medical evidence and make the initial decision on your case.

The DDS office will request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals. This process usually takes four to six weeks. During this time, you do not need to do anything unless Social Security contacts you asking for more information or scheduling a consultative exam.

A consultative exam is a medical appointment that Social Security pays for if your medical records are incomplete or outdated. The doctor who performs this exam does not treat you—they are gathering information for Social Security's decision. You are not required to attend, but refusing usually results in a denial. If Social Security schedules one, ask what type of exam it is (physical, mental health, or both) so you know what to expect.

The initial decision typically arrives three to five months after you file, though cases with complex medical history or missing records can take longer. You will receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied and why.

If Your Claim Is Denied

Most people receive a denial on their first claim. This does not mean you cannot receive benefits—it means the Social Security Administration determined that your medical evidence did not meet their standard for disability at that time. You have the right to challenge this decision.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. This is a free second review by a different examiner at the DDS office. To request reconsideration, fill out Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) and mail it to the address on your denial letter, or submit it online through your my Social Security account.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where most people win. You have 60 days from your reconsideration denial to request a hearing. At a hearing, you can present new medical evidence, testify about how your condition affects your ability to work, and have a representative (lawyer or non-lawyer advocate) speak on your behalf.

Maryland has free legal aid organizations that represent people in disability hearings at no cost if your income qualifies. The Maryland Disability Law Center (410-727-6352) and Community Legal Services (410-539-9000) both handle SSDI and SSI appeals. Hiring a representative does not cost you anything upfront—if you win, the representative's fee comes from your back pay, and Social Security caps it at 25 percent or $6,000, whichever is less.

Maryland-Specific Resources and Support

Maryland has several organizations that help people understand disability benefits and navigate the process process. The Maryland Department of Disabilities (410-767-3660) provides information about state and federal disability programs. The Disability Rights Council of Maryland (410-235-3000) offers free information and advocacy for people with disabilities.

If you receive SSI, you may also be may be able to access for Maryland's Ticket to Work program, which lets you work part-time without losing your benefits when ready. The Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project at the University of Maryland (410-706-0600) provides free work incentive counseling to help you understand how work affects your benefits.

If you are struggling financially while your claim is being decided, ask the Social Security Administration about expedited processing. Cases involving terminal illness, homelessness, or extreme financial hardship can sometimes be prioritized, though this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my disability claim is being decided?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI or SSI. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) without affecting your benefits. For SSI, the limit is lower and varies. Report any work income to Social Security—they will calculate whether it affects your benefits, and hiding work income can result in overpayment that you will have to repay.

How long does it take to get a decision?

The initial decision usually takes three to five months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another two to three months. If you request a hearing, add six to twelve months depending on how busy the hearing office is. Hearings in Maryland typically take longer than the national average because of high caseloads.

Do I need a lawyer to file for disability?

No. You can file and represent yourself at every stage. A lawyer or non-lawyer representative is most useful at the hearing stage, where they can present evidence and argue your case. Free legal aid is available in Maryland if you cannot afford to hire a representative.

What if I move out of Maryland while my claim is pending?

Your claim stays with the Maryland DDS office that is handling it. You do not need to refile or transfer anything. Tell Social Security your new address so they can mail you notices and decisions. You can still attend a hearing by phone or video if you move far away.

Can I file for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you have limited work history or low income, you may be may be able to access for SSI even if you do not may have access to for SSDI. Filing for both takes the same amount of time and uses the same process. Tell the Social Security representative that you want to file for both programs.