If a disability keeps you from working, Social Security Disability can replace part of your income — but most first-time claims are denied. You pay nothing unless we win.
Reach out to the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team for a free, no-obligation conversation about your SSDI or SSI claim, the appeal deadlines that apply, and what your options are.
My experience was fantastic, Charlotte was a big help and had the lawyer return my call within minutes. Jason was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I will have them represent me and my family.More
A free case review with no obligation, and no fee unless we win. Someone on our team reads every message that comes in.
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At Pinder Plotkin, the initial consultation is free, whether by phone or in person. You have the right to an attorney, and we work on a contingency basis — you do not pay attorney fees up front while dealing with medical bills and lost wages, and our fee comes only after you win.
Pinder Plotkin Legal Team holds a 4.9-star average across 900+ verified client reviews. Here’s what injured Marylanders say about working with us.
I have worked with Pinder Plotkin on a car accident and they were nothing but professional. The whole team were very caring and kept me informed through the whole process. I could not think of a better firm to represent me.More
Received support from Day 1. No question went unanswered and they worked to make sure I was comfortable and understood everything. Very patient in ensuring my needs are met. I am grateful.More
I been a client since 2017 and I had a good experience with them as far as getting results and being treated like family, I had a major injury and the whole team was very supportive and stayed on top of my case, I was able to maintain my bills due to being out of work for a year and had a favorable outcome with my settlement which helped me start my business ventures, so thanks again to the team and if need be I’ll have them represent me in the future.More
Jason, Charlotte, and Tony were absolutely amazing! I was in a car accident 4 years ago, they made sure I was taken care of and even though we had a lot of set backs due to Covid, they never made me feel like my case (or me) were not important. Tony knew my medical history better than I did, Charlotte was always an absolute delight to talk to and was so kind, and Jason was just great! I'm really sad that I won't be talking to them anymore, they became like family! I know that is something a lot of people say, but it is 100% true with this team.More
Great team took my cases when most wouldn’t did all the work fluently and worry free would not be any happier 😊. Highly recommend them for your legal servicesMore
I cannot thank the team at Pinder Plotkin enough for their compassion, patience, and relentless dedication throughout my car accident case. They went above and beyond — jumping through hoops, explaining every step with care, and standing by me when I felt overwhelmed or lost. The communication was incredible, and I always knew I was in good hands. I truly appreciate everything they did to help me get through such a stressful time. Highly recommend to anyone looking for people who genuinely care about their clients.More
Mr Jason, Mr Balsamo, Nancy and the team worked on my case meticulously until I got justice. Thanks Nancy for your assurance and patience. If you need a team of injury lawyers, Pinder Plotkin team should be your first call.More
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how this process would go since I usually let the auto insurance company handle accident. However, I would not hesitate to call upon the Pinder Plotkin legal team FIRST. They took on my case and exceeded expectations and removed any doubts I had. The folks at Pinder Plotkin fought through a long drawn out case, keeping my best interests in mind. A settlement was reached, more than what I would say, your insurance company would give. I’m extremely happy with the Pinder Plotkin team for their hard work, dedication to me as a client and as a veteran. I was treated with compassion, empathy and they communicated every step of the process. I high recommend the Pinder Plotkin legal team for your legal services. Thank you Pinder Plotkin, truely, thank you.More
Get a fast, free estimate of what your case could be worth — pick the calculator that matches your situation below.
These are working tools, not contact forms dressed up as calculators. Each walks you through roughly the questions we would ask on a first call and gives you a range at the end. Treat that range as the start of a conversation, not a valuation — no calculator knows how an adjuster will read your medical records, and none of them can price Maryland’s contributory negligence rule, which can bar your recovery entirely if you are found even slightly at fault. That rule is why two claims with identical injuries can be worth very different amounts here.
Estimate what your Bel Air car accident claim could be worth.
Estimate Your Settlement ValueEstimate what your Maryland workers’ comp claim could be worth.
Estimate Your Settlement ValueThis one estimates a claim before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, not a lawsuit.
Free and no obligation. Your name, email, phone number and consent are required before the estimate is shown. The result is an estimate for information only — not legal advice, and not a promise of any outcome.
In fiscal year 2024, Maryland's state disability agency issued favorable decisions on 37.68% of the 22,122 initial adult disability determinations it made. Source: Social Security Administration
Social Security Disability is available for individuals who are unable to work because of a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two different Social Security Disability programs. Each program has different requirements and pays different amounts.
For a free case review, contact us to speak with one of our esteemed personal injury lawyers in Bel Air at Pinder Plotkin.
The Pinder Plotkin Legal Team helps Bel Air clients apply for SSDI and SSI, fix denied claims, and prepare for hearings before a judge.
You are "disabled" to Social Security only if a medical condition stops you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death. You don't have to be totally disabled — but in 2026, earning more than $1,690 a month ($2,830 if you're blind) usually counts as substantial work and disqualifies you.
To be considered disabled, you must have a medically determinable mental or physical impairment that is expected to be fatal or last more than 12 months, and that prevents you from engaging in a substantial gainful activity (SGA).
SSDI is for people who worked and paid into Social Security long enough; SSI is need-based for people with little income and few assets. SSDI generally takes 40 work credits (20 earned in the last 10 years); SSI limits you to under $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for a couple). Some people qualify for both.
SSI or Supplemental Security Income is for low-income individuals who have not worked enough hours to qualify for SSDI. SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance is available to workers who become disabled and have earned enough work credits, based on your age and work history.
You can apply online, by phone, or in person — but most first-time claims are denied, often for avoidable paperwork mistakes. A Bel Air disability attorney can help you file correctly the first time and appeal within 60 days if you're turned down.
A Bel Air Social Security Disability attorney can help you complete your application and avoid some of the common mistakes that result in a denial of disability benefits, and can also help you appeal a denial.
Social Security keeps a "Blue Book" of impairments across 14 body systems. If your condition matches a listing — or limits you as severely as one — you can qualify. Common qualifying categories include:
A condition that isn't on the list can still qualify if it limits you as much as a listed one does.
If a workplace injury keeps you from working long-term, you may qualify for both Maryland workers' compensation and SSDI at the same time — they're separate systems. But there's a catch: an offset rule caps your combined workers' comp and SSDI at 80% of your average current earnings before you got hurt, and Social Security reduces your SSDI to stay under that cap.
How your workers' comp settlement is written — a lump sum versus benefits spread over your lifetime — can change how much of that offset applies. That's why it's worth talking to us before you settle your comp case. Our workers' compensation attorney, Marc Hassan, handles that side in-house, so both claims work together instead of against each other.
Most first-time disability claims are denied — roughly 62–65% nationally — so a denial doesn't mean your case is weak. You have 60 days from the denial to appeal, and there are four levels:
A fresh review by SSA. Most are denied again, but it's a required step.
Your best odds — roughly half of hearings end in approval. We present medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Reviews the judge's decision for legal error.
A lawsuit in U.S. District Court if the Appeals Council denies.
Bel Air-area hearings run through SSA's Bel Air Office of Hearings Operations. Deadlines are strict — missing the 60 days can force you to start over, so call us as soon as you get a denial.
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Initial decisions usually take about six months. If you're denied and appeal to a hearing, the full process can run a year or more. We push to keep your file complete so it moves as fast as possible.
You can apply yourself, but most first-time claims are denied, and the odds improve at the hearing level. We handle the paperwork, gather the right medical evidence, and represent you before the judge.
Limited work is allowed, but earning over the monthly substantial gainful activity limit (about $1,690 in 2026) usually disqualifies you. We'll tell you where the line is for your situation.
SSDI is based on your work history. SSI is need-based for people with limited income and assets. Some people qualify for both.
Appeal within 60 days. Most approvals happen at the hearing level before an administrative law judge, and that's where having a lawyer matters most.
You may qualify for both, but an offset rule can reduce your SSDI. Talk to us before you settle your workers' comp case.
Anything in Social Security's Blue Book across 14 body systems, plus conditions that limit you as severely as a listing does.
SSDI recipients qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period; SSI recipients in Maryland generally get Medicaid. SSDI cash benefits also start after a 5-month waiting period.
Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us at (888) 844-5373 and ask — there is no charge and no obligation to hire us.
121 Archer St, Bel Air, MD 21014 · Call (888) 844-5373 to schedule a visit. View on Google
We help Social Security Disability claimants throughout Bel Air and the surrounding counties.
At Pinder Plotkin, this isn't a satellite office — it's home. Christian Miele lives here in Bel Air and served the state as a Maryland Delegate before joining our firm. Josh Fannon lives in Harford County. And Tony Balsamo grew up in Harford County. Our team didn't move here for the caseload — when you work with us, you are working with people who know these roads, these courts, and these neighbors.
Whether you're applying for the first time or fighting a denial, we'll tell you honestly where your claim stands. Call (888) 844-5373 for a free consultation with the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team.
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