Your 7-month wait time is faster than the national average, providing a steady window to finalize your medical evidence. With an office-wide allowance rate of 63%, your success depends on how clearly your records demonstrate your limitations to the ALJ. Because the panel shows a moderate spread in approval rates, an attorney can help you ensure your case is ready for any judge.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing date.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 7-month wait, you have a clear runway to organize your medical records before your hearing date. Your hearing will involve an ALJ and a vocational expert who will testify about jobs that fit your physical or mental limits. You must submit all new evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. Bring your identification and a current list of medications, including side effects that impact your daily activities. If you have witness statements from family or coworkers, these can provide essential context for your daily limitations. The ALJ will weigh this evidence alongside your medical history, and you will receive a decision by mail after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office consists of 6 judges with a moderate spread in their allowance rates, ranging from 51% to 86%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence according to their own judicial discretion. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who is presiding.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, leaving less time to correct gaps in your medical record once a date is set. Professional preparation helps you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensures your evidence is submitted in a format the ALJ can easily review. When the panel's allowance rates vary by over 30 points, preparation is the best way to mitigate the uncertainty of random judge assignment.
About This Hearing Office
Here are the location details and operating hours for the Tallahassee hearing office to help you plan for your upcoming appearance.
Most Favorable Judges
Tallahassee, FL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stacy Paddack | 76% | 50% | 21,153 | |
| 2 | Andrew Dixon III | 67% | 56% | 26,447 | |
| 3 | Steven L. Carnes | 60% | 51% | 13,404 | |
| 4 | Joshua R. Heller | 59% | 50% | 22,830 | |
| 5 | Janet McCamley | 59% | 49% | 22,928 | |
| 6 | Jeffrey Marvel | 55% | 47% | 6,260 | |
| 7 | David Herman | 52% | 44% | 25,889 | |
| 8 | Lisa Raleigh | 51% | 42% | 23,086 | |
| 9 | Alisa M. Tapia | 34% | 29% | 8,716 |
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.