Basic SSDI Eligibility Criteria in Maryland

To qualify for SSDI in Maryland, you must meet the following federal requirements:

• Work Credits: You must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the 10 years before your disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
• Severe Medical Condition: Your condition must be serious enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• SSA’s Blue Book Listings: If your medical condition matches or is equivalent to one of the listed impairments in the SSA’s Blue Book, you may be considered disabled automatically.

Medical Documentation Requirements

To meet SSDI requirements, your application must include detailed and up-to-date medical records, such as:

• Diagnoses and treatment plans from licensed physicians
• Test results (MRI, X-rays, bloodwork)
• Hospitalization or surgical history
• Statements from doctors detailing how your condition affects your ability to work

The more thorough your documentation, the better your chances of getting approved.

SSA's Five-Step Disability Evaluation Process

SSA uses a five-step process to determine SSDI eligibility:

1. Are you working above the SGA limit? If so, you may not qualify.
2. Is your condition severe? It must significantly limit your ability to do basic tasks.
3. Does your condition meet a listed impairment? If yes, you're likely eligible.
4. Can you perform past work? If not, the process moves to the next step.
5. Can you do any other work? The SSA considers age, education, and experience to answer this.

How Maryland DDS Handles Claims

While SSDI is a federal program, Maryland’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews applications for residents. They may request more information, arrange consultative exams, or contact your healthcare providers to verify your condition.