With a 61-point spread in judge allowance rates, which ALJ you draw at the Phoenix Downtown office matters significantly. While the 56% allowance rate is typical for an SSDI hearing office, the outcome of your case depends heavily on how you present your evidence. An attorney can help you build a file that stands up to scrutiny regardless of the judge assigned to your case.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
The wait time at this office is trending downward to 8 months, giving you a clear window to ensure your medical records are complete. You must submit all new evidence well before the hearing date, as late additions are restricted. Bring an updated list of medications with side effects, a daily-activity log, and any witness statements from family or coworkers. A vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that fit your physical or mental limits, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. A decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office shows a wide range of outcomes, with individual judge allowance rates spanning from 28% to 89%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to succeed under any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 60 points, your file must be documented so thoroughly that no judge can dismiss it on weak evidence. An attorney uses the months leading up to your hearing to bridge gaps in your medical record and prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony. A focused review of your file is the highest-leverage step you can take before your hearing date.
About This Hearing Office
With 2,376 dispositions in the latest reporting period, this office is a high-volume site; keep these location details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Phoenix, AZ
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathleen Mucerino | 78% | 81% | 23,752 | |
| 2 | Guy E. Fletcher | 63% | 61% | 26,708 | |
| 3 | Michael D. Tucevich | 58% | 49% | 6,693 | |
| 4 | John Gaffney | 57% | 68% | 30,847 | |
| 5 | Paula Fow | 53% | 45% | 1,867 | |
| 6 | Sasha Paternoster | 53% | 42% | 2,730 | |
| 7 | John W. Wojciechowski | 53% | 45% | 13,514 | |
| 8 | Betty Roberts Barbeito | 53% | 45% | 11,332 | |
| 9 | Christa Zamora | 49% | 42% | 9,779 | |
| 10 | Carla L. Waters | 45% | 24% | 27,495 | |
| 11 | Sheldon P. Zisook | 38% | 32% | 16,606 | |
| 12 | Paula Fow Atchison | 37% | 31% | 699 | |
| 13 | Paula F. Atchison | 36% | 31% | 15,290 | |
| 14 | Dante M. Alegre | 32% | 27% | 28,379 | |
| 15 | Paul Isherwood | 30% | 23% | 20,459 |
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.