At 69%, the Montgomery office maintains an allowance rate higher than the national average for SSDI hearings. Because the wait time has trended downward to 6 months, you have less time than expected to finalize your medical record. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to ensure your file is ready for the ALJ before your hearing date arrives.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at this office move faster than the national norm, so you must prioritize your evidence submission immediately. You will typically spend time before an ALJ, who will often rely on a vocational expert to determine if jobs exist that accommodate your specific physical or mental limitations. Bring your updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of your current medications including their side effects. If you have witness statements from former coworkers or family members, these should be submitted well before the deadline. Because the hearing is your primary opportunity to present evidence that was missed during the initial denial, every document must be organized to clearly support your claim.
The Judges at This Office
The 9 judges at this office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 50% to 90%. While the median rate is 69%, each judge weighs medical evidence and vocational testimony differently. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential that your file is strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings in Montgomery move quickly, leaving little room for error once your date is set. Even with a high office-wide allowance rate, cases often fail if you cannot effectively counter the vocational expert's testimony. Preparing your medical record thoroughly before you walk into the hearing room is the most effective way to address these challenges.
About This Hearing Office
This office processes over 3,115 cases annually; keep these location and contact details handy for the day of your hearing.
Most Favorable Judges
Montgomery, AL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claire R. Strong | 78% | 85% | 26,250 | |
| 2 | Charles A. Thigpen | 74% | 63% | 11,282 | |
| 3 | Vincent P. Intoccia | 71% | 81% | 32,549 | |
| 4 | Amy H. Naylor | 70% | 78% | 25,988 | |
| 5 | Frank M. Klinger | 69% | 59% | 17,772 | |
| 6 | Ricky V. South | 68% | 67% | 30,340 | |
| 7 | Michael D. Anderson | 67% | 57% | 17,092 | |
| 8 | Maria N. Kusznir | 65% | 55% | 7,706 | |
| 9 | Paul W. Johnson | 63% | 54% | 18,080 | |
| 10 | George M. Akins | 61% | 58% | 3,399 | |
| 11 | Rolesia Dancy | 54% | 46% | 6,201 | |
| 12 | John B. Langland | 53% | 52% | 26,139 | |
| 13 | Brian A. Oakes | 53% | 66% | 5,899 | |
| 14 | Reni F. Barnett-Jefferson | 53% | 45% | 27,213 | |
| 15 | Carol L. Latham | 37% | 43% | 24,800 | |
| 16 | Walter V. Lassiter Jr. | 23% | 20% | 3,058 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.