What is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. In order to qualify, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain number of years and have a medical condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

Eligibility Requirements for SSDI in Maryland

Before applying for SSDI in Maryland, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Work History: You need to have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. The number of credits you need depends on your age at the time of the disability. Generally, you need 20 credits earned in the past 10 years if you’re over 31. However, if you are younger, you may need fewer credits. Each year you work, you earn up to 4 credits.
• Medical Condition: For chronic pain, you will need to demonstrate that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. Chronic pain by itself is not typically listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments; however, the SSA will consider it in conjunction with the underlying condition causing the pain. Some common conditions associated with chronic pain include:
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Back disorders
• Neuropathy
• Chronic migraines
• Duration of the Condition: Your chronic pain must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. This means that the SSA will require medical evidence proving that your pain significantly interferes with your ability to work for a prolonged period.

How to Apply for SSDI for Chronic Pain in Maryland

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for SSDI in Maryland if you suffer from chronic pain:

• Gather Medical Documentation: One of the most important steps in applying for SSDI is providing strong medical evidence. You will need:
• Detailed medical records from all healthcare providers who have treated you for chronic pain, including your primary care doctor, pain specialists, and any therapists.
• Doctor’s opinion: A statement from your doctor describing your pain and how it limits your ability to function and perform daily tasks.
• Pain management plans: Documentation of any treatments, medications, surgeries, or therapies you have undergone for your chronic pain.
• Complete the SSDI Application: You can apply for SSDI through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website at www.ssa.gov. The online application is the fastest method. Alternatively, you can apply by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office in Maryland.
• When filling out the application:
• Be thorough and detailed: Describe how your chronic pain limits your ability to work. Be specific about how it affects your daily activities and job duties.
• Include all medical evidence: Attach any records and documents that support your claim, including medical tests, doctor’s notes, and treatment histories.
• Provide Detailed Work History: The SSA will also ask for a detailed account of your work history, including the types of jobs you’ve had and the tasks you performed. Make sure to list all your relevant employment to show that your condition prevents you from continuing that work.
• Submit Your Application: Once you have filled out the application and gathered your documents, submit your application through the online portal, by phone, or in person.

What Happens After You Apply for SSDI in Maryland?

After submitting your SSDI application in Maryland, the SSA will review your case. The process typically follows these steps:

• Initial Review: The SSA will review your application and medical records to determine if you meet the basic eligibility criteria. This can take 3 to 5 months for an initial decision.
• Request for Reconsideration: If your claim is denied (which happens to many applicants), you can request reconsideration. This means a new person at the SSA will review your case. Reconsiderations usually take 3 to 4 months.
• Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing with an ALJ. In Maryland, the wait time for a hearing can be as long as 12 to 18 months, depending on the location of the hearing office.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your case, you can appeal the decision to the Appeals Council, which can take another 6 to 12 months to review your case.
• Federal Court: If all else fails, you can appeal your case to federal court, which can add more time to the process.

What to Expect in Maryland

In Maryland, the SSDI process follows national timelines. However, there may be slight variations depending on the local SSA office and caseload. Disability cases in Maryland can take an average of 1 to 2 years to be approved, with many applicants needing to go through the appeals process after an initial denial.