New Haven's 52% allowance rate is typical for an SSDI hearing office, meaning your outcome depends on the quality of your medical evidence. With a wait time of 8 months that has been trending downward, you have a clear window to organize your file. A focused review of your medical records and daily activity logs is the highest-leverage step you can take to prepare for your day in court. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for your hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8-month wait, you have a stable runway to ensure your file is complete before you step into the Connecticut Financial Center. Your hearing will likely involve an ALJ reviewing your testimony and hearing from a vocational expert regarding your ability to perform past or alternative work. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and daily-activity logs well before the deadline, as last-minute evidence is restricted. Because the panel here shows meaningful variation in how they weigh evidence, your file must be self-sufficient and clearly document your functional limitations. You will receive the judge's decision by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 10 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, which range from 36% to 69% with a median of 48%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each brings a different perspective to the evidence. This variation means your preparation must be robust enough to satisfy the requirements of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When an office's allowance rates span over 30 points, the difference between a favorable decision and a denial often comes down to how well you anticipate the vocational expert's testimony. A qualified representative can pressure-test your file against the specific standards used by this panel, ensuring your limitations are clearly defined before you walk into the hearing room.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing date at the New Haven office.
Most Favorable Judges
New Haven, CT
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eskunder Boyd | 57% | 52% | 27,763 | |
| 2 | Robert A. DiBiccaro | 56% | 48% | 4,173 | |
| 3 | Brien Horan | 55% | 47% | 6,524 | |
| 4 | I. K. Harrington | 52% | 39% | 20,978 | |
| 5 | Deirdre R. Horton | 52% | 44% | 22,317 | |
| 6 | Matthew Kuperstein | 47% | 37% | 17,469 | |
| 7 | Ronald J. Thomas | 39% | 30% | 22,321 | |
| 8 | John T. Molleur | 37% | 24% | 15,491 |
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.