Maryland Social Security Disability Lawyer
Whether you need to apply for benefits or appeal a denial, our Maryland Social Security Disability lawyers can simplify the process and help strengthen your claim. Call (410) 449-7900 today for a free case review.
Legally Reviewed By:
Adam M. Smallow
November 7, 2025
Applying for Social Security disability benefits is a complex process with an abundance of wrongful denials and long wait times. When you have a disability that keeps you from earning a sustainable income, you need your benefits now. Our knowledgeable Maryland Social Security disability lawyers can break through the wall of resistance and help you get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Navigate This Page
- The Only Maryland Social Security Attorneys You Will Ever Need
- Adam Fights for Marylanders with Disabilities
- How Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
- Types of Social Security Disability Benefits: SSDI vs. SSI Explained
- How To File a Social Security Disability Claim
- Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied
- The Social Security Disability Appeals Process
- Let Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers Get You the Benefits You Deserve
The Only Maryland Social Security Attorneys You Will Ever Need
We are an experienced Maryland Social Security disability law firm that thinks outside the box to get our clients the benefits they deserve. We work with an extensive network of high-quality doctors who help us put together the types of claims that Social Security approves. We have spent the last decade building these relationships for the benefit of our clients, because we care about results. Adam Smallow is a native of the mid-Atlantic region, and we know the Social Security process in every county in the state.
When you choose Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers, you can expect a superior experience as we guide you through every step of the process with clear communication, efficiency, and integrity. We understand how important your claim is to you, and we take it seriously when you put your trust in us.
Adam Fights for Marylanders with Disabilities
Living with a disability is hard enough without having to fight a government bureaucracy for the benefits that are rightfully yours. The Social Security Administration only approved 27.9% of disability claims for adults ages 18-64 in 2020, and many denied claimants are eligible.
We refer our clients to top doctors in Maryland who maintain strong communication with us. We can guide the medical testing and documentation that our doctors provide on your behalf, so you get the type of evidence Social Security typically accepts. This is just one way Adam fights for you. Our entire team will work together to find the most effective approach to get you approved.
Get on the road to recovery with competent legal representation and high-quality medical professionals. Contact our Maryland personal injury lawyer today.
How Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
To qualify for disability benefits, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability and meet financial requirements, which vary based on whether you file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The Definition of Disability
Social Security defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from performing a substantial gainful activity. The disability must be expected to last at least a year or result in death. If you are applying for SSI, you also meet the definition of disability if you are over 65.
The Disability Determination Service in Hunt Valley considers whether your impairment keeps you from performing everyday functions, such as sitting, walking, standing, remembering, and interacting with others. It will also determine whether your condition is on the Listing of Impairments or whether it is as severe as a listed condition. The following conditions often qualify:
- Arthritis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Blindness
- Intellectual disabilities
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Cancer
The Substantial Gainful Earnings Limit
The definition of disability includes being unable to earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit, which is adjusted annually. In 2025, the limit is $1,620 if you are not blind and you are applying for SSDI or SSI. If you are blind, the limit is $2,700 if you are applying for SSDI, but there is no blind limit for SSI.
Work Credits
To qualify for SSDI, you must have enough work credits. If you are over 40, you will generally need 40 work credits, including 20 earned during the last 10 years. Younger workers have lower requirements. You can earn up to four work credits per year.
Income Limits
If you are applying for SSI, your income and assets must be lower than the limits set by Congress for the calendar year. In 2025, the income limits are $967 for a single individual and $1,450 for a couple. The asset limit is $2,000 for single claimants and $3,000 for a couple.
Types of Social Security Disability Benefits: SSDI vs. SSI Explained
SSDI and SSI are separate disability programs offered by the Social Security Administration, with many differences:
- SSDI is an insurance program that pays benefits to insured workers who become disabled.
- SSI is a need-based federal assistance program for people with disabilities, low income, and limited resources
- SSDI is funded through Social Security taxes deducted from your payroll taxes, typically appearing as FICA on your pay stubs.
- SSI funding comes from the United States Treasury’s general fund.
- SSDI eligibility is based on whether you are insured. You are insured if you work in jobs covered by Social Security and earn enough work credits.
- SSI eligibility is based on having low income and resources. Work credits are not required.
- SSDI payments are calculated based on your earnings history.
- SSI payments are calculated based on your income and household size. Maryland residents can also receive a state supplement.
How To File a Social Security Disability Claim
Our dedicated Maryland Social Security lawyers can advise you of what to expect at every stage of the process. Here is an overview:
Step 1: Gather your documents |
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Step 2: Decide how you will apply | Apply online or call (800) 772-1213 to schedule an appointment to apply over the phone or in person |
Step 3: Fill out the application | Answer every question accurately to the best of your ability. Use “N/A” rather than leaving blanks. |
Step 4: Watch for correspondence | Social Security may request additional information. Be ready to answer promptly. |
Step 5: Attend the special exam | Attend any SSA-scheduled consultative examination (CE) if Social Security requires it. |
Step 6: Wait for a decision | The average wait time is 6 to 8 months |
Is There a Waiting Period for Benefits?
There is a five-month waiting period for SSDI, but not for SSI. The waiting period begins on the date Social Security determines your disability began. In most cases, the waiting period is over by the time Social Security approves the application.
Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied
Common reasons for denial of benefits include the following:
- Inaccurate or incomplete application
- Earnings above the substantial gainful activity limit
- Not enough work credits for SSDI
- Resources or income above the limit for SSI
- A finding that your disability is not severe
- A finding that your disability is short-term
Waiting months for a decision only to have your benefits denied is discouraging. Our experienced Maryland disability lawyers can review your file and correct the issues that led to the denial.
The Social Security Disability Appeals Process
To appeal a Social Security Disability denial, you must go through the following process:
- Reconsideration. Social Security will review your application again with staff who did not participate in the first decision.
- Administrative Law Judge hearing: The administrative law judge will review your claim, hear testimony, and consider new evidence.
- Appeals Council Review: The Appeals Council can reverse the judge’s decision, uphold it, or decline to hear your case.
- Federal Court Review: The U.S. District Court can accept a civil lawsuit and issue an order about your benefits.
You generally have 60 days from the time you receive a decision to take your appeal to the next level. We can prepare your appeal and represent you at the hearings.
Let Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers Get You the Benefits You Deserve
The Social Security disability claim process can be complicated and slow, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We provide quick, responsive service with availability via phone or text 24/7. We charge no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we are successful. Call (410) 449-7900 or contact us online today for a free case review.
