Who decides cases at this office
The 6 ALJs at the Dover office show a wide spread in their allowance rates, which range from 42% to 90% with a median of 64%. Because outcomes swing significantly depending on which judge is assigned to your case, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs medical evidence through their own lens, so preparation is your best tool for navigating this variation.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanley Petraschuk | 90% | 212 | |
| 2 | Edward J. Banas | 70% | 91 | |
| 3 | Anthony Reeves | 64% | 3,189 | |
| 4 | Steven L. Butler | 62% | 4,188 | |
| 5 | Bernadette Reiling | 45% | 793 | |
| 6 | Jack Penca | 42% | 2,575 |
How long you'll wait
At Dover, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 months— versus a national average of 8 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Going to your hearing
Your hearing will likely involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing your testimony. Because the judges at this office weigh evidence differently, you must ensure your medical records are updated with all treatment notes since your initial denial. Bring a list of your medications, their side effects, and a log of your daily activities to help the judge understand your limitations. A vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific restrictions, and you or your attorney will have the chance to question them. Submit all new evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. You will receive the judge's decision by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's allowance rates span nearly 50 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Dover panel can help you identify the specific medical evidence that resonates with these judges and prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony. Strengthening your file before your hearing date is the most effective way to manage the uncertainty of the assignment process.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Dover, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait for a hearing at the Dover office is currently 8 months, which is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you track your case status during this time.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 6 ALJs at this office. Because allowance rates vary significantly across the panel, an attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the judge assigned to your specific hearing.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if there is a conflict of interest, an attorney can help you request a reassignment.
While not required, having an attorney is highly recommended. Given the wide variation in judge allowance rates at this office, professional representation helps ensure your evidence is presented in the most compelling way possible.