Tampa's 7-month wait time is currently one month faster than the national average, giving you a slightly shorter window to finalize your medical evidence. With an office-wide allowance rate of 58%, the outcome of your hearing often depends on how effectively you present your limitations to the judge. Use this time to build a comprehensive file that clearly documents your inability to perform sustained work. An attorney can help you prepare your case and navigate the hearing process.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Tampa are presided over by an ALJ. Because the panel here shows a wide spread in allowance rates—ranging from 31% to 72%—your preparation must be rigorous enough to satisfy any judge. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed log of daily activities, and a list of medications with their specific side effects. A vocational expert will likely testify about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific limitations, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The 13 judges at this office demonstrate a wide spread in their allowance rates, with a median of 61%. Because outcomes vary 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 evidence differently, so thorough preparation is your best defense against this variability.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 40 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants assume the hearing is a simple review of their initial application, but it is actually a new opportunity to introduce evidence that was missed or undervalued by the state DDS, which has an initial-decision allowance rate of 42%. You can focus on identifying these gaps to ensure your medical evidence is fully updated for the hearing.
About This Hearing Office
With 3,946 dispositions processed in the latest period, this office is a high-volume hub; keep these location details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Tampa, FL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul L. Johnston | 91% | 77% | 22,591 | |
| 2 | Daniel A. Piloseno Jr. | 84% | 71% | 21,478 | |
| 3 | Steven D. Slahta | 70% | 58% | 27,291 | |
| 4 | Melissa J. McIntosh | 66% | 57% | 17,489 | |
| 5 | Carl C. McGhee | 65% | 63% | 24,089 | |
| 6 | Shirley A. Marzan | 63% | 64% | 20,664 | |
| 7 | Robert Ballieu | 61% | 62% | 19,323 | |
| 8 | Margaret Craig | 61% | 56% | 22,219 | |
| 9 | Rhonda S. Greenberg | 57% | 48% | 3,490 | |
| 10 | Barbara J. Zanotti | 57% | 60% | 23,223 | |
| 11 | Michael A. Rodriguez | 56% | 48% | 4,902 | |
| 12 | Ryan Kirzner | 53% | 41% | 21,665 | |
| 13 | John Dawkins | 48% | 48% | 25,318 | |
| 14 | Gonzalo Vallecillo | 45% | 49% | 19,628 | |
| 15 | Wallace E. Weakley | 43% | 37% | 6,472 | |
| 16 | Glen H. Watkins | 33% | 35% | 30,135 | |
| 17 | Amber Downs | 31% | 25% | 21,732 |
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.