Where to Start: Social Security vs. State Programs

Maryland offers two separate paths to disability support, and they work differently. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both federal programs run through your local Social Security office. Maryland also runs its own programs — Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for short-term work absences and Workers' Compensation if your disability came from a job injury. Most people start with Social Security because the benefit amounts are higher and the program is more widely known, but which one you contact depends on your work history and income.

If you worked and paid Social Security taxes, you likely may have access to for SSDI. If you have little or no work history, or your savings and income are very low, SSI may be your route. TDI covers only temporary disabilities — usually up to 26 weeks — so it is not a long-term solution. Workers' Compensation applies only if your disability came from a workplace injury or occupational illness. Understanding which program fits your situation before you contact anyone saves time and prevents you from being sent back and forth between offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security (SSDI or SSI) is the main federal disability program in Maryland; you contact your local Social Security office in person, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at ssa.gov.
  • You will need medical records showing your condition, a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited, your work history, and proof of income or savings.
  • The Social Security office does not make the final decision — they send your case to the Disability information Services office in Baltimore, which takes two to four months to review.
  • If you are denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days; most people are denied the first time and succeed on appeal.
  • Maryland's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is a separate, faster program for short-term disabilities lasting a few weeks to six months.

Gathering Documents Before You Contact Social Security

Social Security will ask for the same documents whether you explore in person, by phone, or online. Collecting these before you call or visit saves you from making multiple trips or phone calls. You need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency — a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. Bring your driver's license or state ID as well.

Next, gather your medical records. Write down the names and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, and mental health provider you have seen in the past three years. Include the dates of your visits and what they treated you for. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, bring copies. Social Security will request these records directly from your providers, but having them ready speeds up the process.

You will also need proof of your work history. Bring your last two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, or a letter from your employer showing your job title and dates of employment. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. Finally, bring proof of income and assets — bank statements, investment account statements, and proof of any other income you receive. If you own a home or car, bring the deed or title.

explore Through Your Local Social Security Office

Maryland has Social Security offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, Silver Spring, Towson, Salisbury, and other cities. You can find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead to ask about wait times — some offices are busier than others, and you may be able to schedule an appointment rather than walk in. Bring all the documents listed above, even if you think Social Security already has them.

When you arrive, tell the receptionist you want to explore for disability. They will give you a form to fill out or direct you to a representative who will interview you. The interview usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. The representative will ask about your medical condition, when it started, how it affects your ability to work, your work history, and your living situation. Answer honestly and in detail — vague answers slow down the decision process. If you do not understand a question, ask them to rephrase it.

At the end of the interview, the representative will give you a receipt showing you have applied. Keep this receipt. You will need it if you have to follow up or appeal a denial. The office will tell you that your case is being sent to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Baltimore, which is the state agency that actually decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability.

explore Online or by Phone

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can start your process online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. The online form takes about 15 to 20 minutes and asks the same questions as the in-person interview. You will need to upload or mail in your documents afterward. Social Security will contact you by phone or mail if they need more information.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to explore by phone. The wait time is usually 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone and will mail you forms to sign and return. Phone applications take longer overall because you have to mail documents back and forth, but they work if you cannot leave your home.

Whichever method you choose — in person, online, or by phone — you will receive a notice in the mail within two weeks confirming that your process was received. If you do not receive this notice, call the office to confirm.

What Happens After You explore: The Decision Timeline

After you explore, your case goes to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Baltimore. This office has a team of doctors and disability examiners who review your medical records and decide whether your condition meets Social Security's strict definition of disability. The process usually takes two to four months, though it can take longer if your case is complex or if DDS needs more medical information.

During this time, DDS may request additional medical records from your doctors. They may also ask you to see a doctor they choose, called a consultative examination. Social Security pays for this exam, and you do not have to pay anything. If DDS requests an exam, they will mail you an appointment notice. Go to the appointment — missing it can result in a denial.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. The letter will say you are approved, denied, or approved for a different program than you applied for (for example, approved for SSI instead of SSDI). If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

If You Are Denied: How to Appeal

Most people are denied the first time they explore. This does not mean you do not may have access to — it usually means DDS needs more information or your medical records were incomplete. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. Mail a letter to the DDS office in Baltimore or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to file a reconsideration request for you.

On reconsideration, DDS will review your case again, usually with a different examiner. This time, submit any new medical records you have obtained since your first process. If you have seen a doctor since you applied, ask for a letter from that doctor describing your condition and how it limits your ability to work. New medical evidence is the most common reason people win on appeal.

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify. Many people win at the hearing stage because they can explain their condition in person and answer the judge's questions directly. You can represent yourself, but many people hire a disability lawyer or advocate. Lawyers typically charge 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when you first applied) if you win, up to a maximum of $6,000.

Maryland's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for Short-Term Disabilities

If your disability is temporary — lasting a few weeks to six months — you may be able to receive benefits faster through Maryland's Temporary Disability Insurance program. TDI covers disabilities that prevent you from working but are expected to improve, such as recovery from surgery, a broken bone, or pregnancy-related conditions. You do not have to have worked to receive TDI, though most recipients have recent work history.

To explore for TDI, contact the Maryland Department of Labor at 410-767-2353 or visit mldp.maryland.gov. You will need a doctor's statement saying you cannot work and an estimate of how long the disability will last. TDI pays a percentage of your lost wages, usually 66 percent, up to a maximum weekly amount. The program pays faster than Social Security — usually within two to three weeks — because the decision is made by the state, not sent to a federal office.

TDI is not a long-term solution. Once your benefits end, you cannot reapply unless you have a new disability. If your condition does not improve as expected, you can explore for Social Security disability at the same time you are receiving TDI. Many people use TDI to cover their when ready expenses while waiting for a Social Security decision.

Workers' Compensation if Your Disability Came from a Job Injury

If your disability resulted from a workplace injury or occupational illness — such as a back injury from lifting, repetitive strain injury, or exposure to a harmful substance — you may be covered by Maryland's Workers' Compensation program instead of Social Security. Workers' Compensation usually pays faster and higher benefits than Social Security, but it only covers work-related disabilities.

Report your injury to your employer when ready, in writing if possible. Your employer is required to file a claim with their workers' compensation insurance carrier. If your employer does not file, you can file a claim yourself with the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission at 410-864-5100 or mwcc.maryland.gov. You will need medical records showing the injury is work-related and a statement from your doctor about your ability to work.

Workers' Compensation decisions are made faster than Social Security — usually within a few weeks — because the insurance company has a financial incentive to process claims quickly. If your claim is denied, you can request a hearing before a Workers' Compensation judge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I receive each month if I am approved?

SSDI payments are based on your work history and earnings record, so the amount varies widely — from about $600 to $3,800 per month depending on how much you earned. SSI payments are lower and based on need; the maximum federal SSI payment in 2024 is about $943 per month, though Maryland may add a small state supplement. You can estimate your SSDI payment at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html.

Can I work while waiting for a decision?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from receiving disability benefits. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit), Social Security may assume you are not disabled and deny your process. If you are approved and then earn more than the limit, your benefits will stop. Report any work income to Social Security when ready.

What if I cannot afford to wait two to four months for a decision?

explore for Maryland's Temporary Disability Insurance if your condition qualifies. TDI pays within two to three weeks and can cover your expenses while you wait for Social Security. You can receive both TDI and Social Security at the same time. You can also ask Social Security about expedited processing if you are terminally ill or in crisis.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own and many people do. However, if you are denied and decide to appeal, a lawyer or disability advocate can significantly improve your chances of winning. Most lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they take 25 percent of your back pay up to $6,000.

What if I move out of Maryland after I explore?

Your process continues. Social Security is a federal program, so it does not matter which state you live in. Your case will still be reviewed by the Maryland DDS office, and your benefits will be mailed to you wherever you live. Notify Social Security of your address change so you receive your decision letter and future benefit payments.