So what are your chances of winning?  The denial rate in Maryland at application and reconsideration for the year 2006 was 66.2% and 85.6% respectively.  This means only one third of the SSDI and SSI cases one at the initial level and the percentage of cases that won at reconsideration was even lower at 14.4%.  So how do you increase your chances of beating the odds?  You can read this website and learn as much as you can about the disability process.  If you read and understand the information in this website you will be better prepared to know what you have to prove to win your case.  You also may want to consider getting a lawyer or representative to help you with your claim.  You will also want to make sure SSA has all your medical information and treating doctor opinion evidence in before a decision is made.  If you don't win at application or reconsideration you should then request a hearing.  These hearings are held by Administrative Law Judges also called ALJs at the hearing offices listed below.  The wait time at hearing can be considerably longer than at the first two stages of the process.  It usually takes 3-6 months for each decision at the first two stages.  The processing time at the hearing stage in MD is listed below the ODAR offices listed below.

When deciding if you will hire a lawyer you will want to consider several things.  Do you understand SSAs five step process that they use to determine if you are disabled?  Do you understand your case and what you will have to show to win?  Do you have the time and energy to do all that has to be done to win your claim?  If you are at the hearing stage will you be able to understand why you are being asked certain questions and have the ability know what information might have been left out of the questioning and then be able to express this through your testimony?  If a VE or ME is scheduled for your hearing will you be able to cross examine these experts properly?  Most Social Security Disability lawyers will charge 25% of past due benefits not to exceed $5,300.  They only get paid if you win and get the lesser of the two amounts.

You can apply in several ways for Social Security Disability.  You can apply on-line at the SSA website.  You can call 1-800-772-1213 and make an appointment at your local SSA office.  You can also contact an attorney and they will help you apply.  If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income or SSI you will have to  do this in person at your local office.