You face a 45% allowance rate at the San Francisco office. Because the panel of judges shows a wide spread in outcomes—ranging from 23% to 64%—your specific judge assignment significantly impacts your case. Use the 8-month wait to build a robust medical record that addresses the specific limitations an ALJ will evaluate. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to meet the standards of this office.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8-month wait, you have a critical window to strengthen your file before you appear before an ALJ. Your primary task is to submit updated medical records that document your condition since your last denial. You should also prepare a detailed log of your daily activities and medication side effects, as these are often the focus of testimony. During your hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about whether jobs exist that fit your limitations. You will have the opportunity to question this expert. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will typically arrive by mail several weeks after your appearance.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 10 judges at this office shows a wide spread in allowance rates, with outcomes ranging from 23% to 64%. Because there is such significant variation across the panel, the judge you draw can influence the outcome of your hearing. While cases are assigned randomly, each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be prepared to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many people spend their 8-month wait simply waiting, but a qualified attorney uses that time to pressure-test your evidence against the specific standards of the San Francisco panel. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to succeed at the hearing stage.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles 1,557 dispositions annually. Keep these location and contact details handy for the day of your hearing.
Most Favorable Judges
San Francisco, CA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert M. Erickson | 66% | 56% | 18,351 | |
| 2 | John Heyer | 61% | 52% | 6,438 | |
| 3 | Katherine Loo | 59% | 56% | 18,211 | |
| 4 | Gloria Pellegrino | 55% | 51% | 17,597 | |
| 5 | Mary P. Parnow | 53% | 45% | 25,093 | |
| 6 | Judson Scott | 39% | 33% | 1,080 | |
| 7 | Matilda Surh | 38% | 38% | 21,883 | |
| 8 | Melinda Yurich | 29% | 20% | 3,951 |
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.