At 65%, the Sacramento office maintains an allowance rate higher than the national average for SSDI hearings. Because the wait time is a steady 8 months, you have a predictable window to ensure your medical records are complete. An attorney can help you organize these records to match the specific criteria the ALJ panel uses to evaluate your claim.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your hearing will typically involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. You must bring valid identification and any updated medical records that were not included in your initial application. A vocational expert will often testify regarding whether jobs exist that you can perform given your physical or mental limitations. You have the opportunity to question this expert, which is a critical moment to clarify why your specific impairments prevent sustained work. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision is rarely issued on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail several weeks later.
The Judges at This Office
The ALJ panel in Sacramento shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 54% to 80% among active judges. 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 stand on its own regardless of which judge is presiding.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 65% allowance rate, Sacramento frequently favors well-documented claims, but the 26-point spread between judges means your preparation is the deciding factor. Understanding the local panel helps you anticipate the questions a vocational expert will ask. Framing your medical evidence to meet the specific standards of the Social Security Administration remains the most effective way to prepare for your hearing.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for the day of your hearing at the Sacramento office.
Most Favorable Judges
Sacramento, CA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawrence J. Duran | 76% | 65% | 21,603 | |
| 2 | David M. Blume | 75% | 64% | 31,393 | |
| 3 | Plauche F. Villere Jr. | 74% | 72% | 40,931 | |
| 4 | Robert C. Tronvig Jr. | 72% | 61% | 5,755 | |
| 5 | Mary M. French | 70% | 60% | 8,572 | |
| 6 | Carol L. Buck | 66% | 56% | 14,635 | |
| 7 | Odell Grooms | 65% | 0% | 7,231 | |
| 8 | Carol A. Eckersen | 59% | 50% | 21,369 | |
| 9 | Christopher C. Knowdell | 59% | 49% | 28,366 | |
| 10 | William Spalo | 58% | 49% | 23,598 | |
| 11 | Sara A. Gillis | 58% | 42% | 30,744 | |
| 12 | Lisa B. Martin | 57% | 54% | 28,387 | |
| 13 | Daniel Myers | 56% | 48% | 22,678 | |
| 14 | Curtis Renoe | 48% | 41% | 4,769 | |
| 15 | L. Kalei Fong | 43% | 37% | 5,953 | |
| 16 | Peter F. Belli | 39% | 33% | 6,090 | |
| 17 | Mark C. Ramsey | 38% | 32% | 2,718 |
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.