Founded in 1982
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Let Us Help You With Your Social Security Claim
Do you want to file a Social Security disability claim? Get in touch with the SSDI and SSI lawyer Baltimore, MD and beyond trusts at the Disability Law Center Of Robert S Piazza Jr PC. With over 35 years of legal experience, our attorneys will help you through the complicated process.
Do You Qualify For SSI Or SSDI?
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are both federal financial assistance for people with disabilities that prevent them from working or seeking a job. SSI provides income for individuals who were never able to work, or have less than five years of work history. SSDI, which pays a larger benefit on average, provides income for employees who worked for five or more years to build up sufficient employment history.

Whichever form of assistance you apply for, you will need to prove that your disability is long-term (at least one year in duration) and prevents you from finding or maintaining substantial employment. Our Social Security disability attorneys will help you collect and interpret the necessary documents to build your case and present it to the Social Security Administration. If you have one of the qualifying conditions listed below and are not able to work, contact us today for a free consultation with an SSDI or SSI lawyer in Baltimore, MD.
Types of Social Security Disability Claims
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Major dysfunction of any joint (osteoarthritis, reconstructions, etc.
- Disorder of the spine
- Amputations
- Fractures of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or tarsal bones
- Special senses and speech disorders
- Loss of central acuity
- Contraction of visual fields
- Loss of visual efficiency
- Loss of speech
- Hearing loss with or without a cochlear implant
- Respiratory disorders
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Lung transplants
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Respiratory failure
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Chronic heart failure
- Ischemic heart disease
- Recurrent arrhythmias
- Aneurysms
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Digestive disorders
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging
- Chronic liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Weight loss due to any digestive disorder
- Liver transplant
- Genitourinary disorders
- Chronic kidney disease (with or without dialysis)
- Kidney transplants
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Hematological disorders
- Various anemias
- Sickle cell disease
- Thrombosis and hemostasis
- Bone marrow failure
- Bone marrow or stem cell transplants
- Skin disorders
- Ichthyosis
- Bullous disease
- Chronic infections of the skin
- Dermatitis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Genetic photosensitivity disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Thyroid gland disorders
- Parathyroid gland disorders
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Diabetes mellitus
- Pancreatic gland disorders
- Congenital disorders
- Down's syndrome
- Congenital disorders affecting multiple body systems
- Neurological disorders
- Epilepsy
- Strokes (cerebral vascular accidents)
- Benign brain tumors
- Parkinson's disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-polio syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Huntington’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Mental disorders
- Neurocognitive disorders
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- Bipolar and depressive disorders
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Somatic symptom-related disorders
- Personality and impulse control disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Cancer disorders
- Skin cancers
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Thyroid gland cancers
- Breast cancer
- Esophagus, stomach, or intestinal cancers
- Liver, pancreatic, or kidney cancers
- Cervix, prostate, or testicular cancers
- Malignant melanoma
- Immune system disorder
- Systemic lupus
- Systemic vasculitis
- Scleroderma
- Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
- Connective tissue disease
- HIV infection
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Sjogren's syndrome
Understanding the Social Security Administration’s Disability Listings
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet the criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA maintains a list of qualifying disabilities known as the "Blue Book," which outlines the conditions that can make you eligible for benefits. However, not every illness or injury will be listed, so understanding how your specific condition is assessed is key to your success in securing SSI benefits. An experienced SSI lawyer in Baltimore, MD and surrounding areas can help you determine if your condition meets SSA's criteria and guide you through the application process.
If your condition is not explicitly listed in the Blue Book, it doesn’t automatically mean that you won’t qualify for SSI benefits. The SSA evaluates the severity of your impairment and how it affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. In some cases, individuals with conditions that don’t meet the Blue Book’s exact criteria may still qualify if their condition is deemed medically equivalent. This is why it’s crucial to work with an SSI lawyer in Baltimore, MD and beyond who can help demonstrate that your condition significantly impairs your ability to function.
How Your Work History Affects SSI Eligibility
For SSI, work history is not a primary factor in determining eligibility. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which requires a certain amount of work history, SSI is available to individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their employment history. However, the SSA will assess your financial situation, including your current and past earnings, to determine whether you qualify. This includes evaluating your income, savings, and any other assets you may have.
If your financial resources exceed the threshold set by the SSA, you may not be eligible for SSI benefits. It’s also important to note that SSI benefits are need-based, so the SSA will consider your household income and the size of your household when making their determination. If you are unsure about whether your financial situation qualifies you for SSI, a skilled SSI lawyer in Baltimore, MD and nearby areas can help you understand the guidelines and ensure your application is as strong as possible. With professional legal guidance, you can confidently navigate the application process.
How to Prove Your Qualifying Illness for SSI
One of the most critical steps in securing SSI benefits is providing the appropriate medical documentation to prove your condition meets the SSA's standards for disability. This can include doctors' notes, test results, and records of your treatment plan. Detailed medical records, including any specialist evaluations, imaging results, and notes from ongoing treatments, will help establish the severity of your condition.
If your illness is not directly listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, it can still qualify under the "medical equivalence" rule if it’s found to be as severe as a listed condition. This means that even if your specific diagnosis isn't on the SSA’s list, if it severely limits your ability to work and function, it could still meet the criteria for disability benefits. A dedicated SSI lawyer in Baltimore, MD and beyond can assist you in gathering and presenting the required evidence, ensuring your case is thorough and comprehensive. They can also help you organize this documentation effectively, improving the chances of a successful claim.
Contact an Experienced SSI Lawyer to Discuss Your Qualifying Illness
If you believe you have a qualifying illness for SSI benefits, contact The Disability Law Center of Robert S. Piazza Jr PC today. Our SSI lawyers have the experience and knowledge needed to guide you through the complex process of applying for SSI, gathering the necessary medical evidence, and appealing any denials. We understand how overwhelming and confusing the application process can be, especially when it comes to ensuring all required documentation is included and correctly filed.
Our team is dedicated to providing personalized assistance and support every step of the way. From the initial application to any necessary appeals, we are here to help you secure the benefits you deserve. We offer free consultations to assess your case, so don't hesitate to reach out to us today.
The Disability Law Center Of Robert S Piazza Jr PC is a local, family-owned law firm founded by Mr. Robert S. Piazza in 1982.


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