Macon's 7-month wait time is faster than the national average of 8 months. With an office-wide allowance rate of 48%, your outcome depends on the documentation you present to the judge. An attorney can help you organize your records to ensure your limitations are clear before you step into the hearing room.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 7-month wait, you have a window to ensure your medical file is complete. Your hearing will involve an ALJ and a vocational expert who will testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations. You should submit all updated medical records, a current medication list with side effects, and a daily-activity log well before the deadline. If you have witness statements from family or coworkers, include them to support your testimony. The judge will weigh this evidence against the expert's opinion to reach a decision.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 9 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 25% to 62% with a median of 52%. Because outcomes vary across the panel, the judge you draw can influence the tone of your hearing. While cases are assigned randomly, your best defense against this variation is a file that clearly documents your disability.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office move at a pace that requires your file to be ready well in advance. When a panel's allowance rates span a wide range, your file must be strong enough that it remains compelling regardless of which judge is presiding. Preparing your evidence and anticipating the vocational expert's questions are key steps in your hearing strategy.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles over 2,086 dispositions annually; keep these location details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Macon, GA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter B. Storey | 71% | 60% | 2,119 | |
| 2 | David Cornelius | 65% | 43% | 25,491 | |
| 3 | Michael L. Levinson | 62% | 53% | 3,173 | |
| 4 | Christine Guard | 57% | 55% | 14,024 | |
| 5 | Stephen Thompson | 53% | 40% | 24,838 | |
| 6 | Eric S. Fulcher | 48% | 44% | 27,013 | |
| 7 | Russell W. Lewis | 48% | 41% | 11,843 | |
| 8 | Amy Uren | 42% | 36% | 13,275 | |
| 9 | George Oetter | 39% | 35% | 4,020 | |
| 10 | Cam Oetter | 39% | 33% | 19,573 | |
| 11 | Amy Uren Roberson | 38% | 29% | 6,418 | |
| 12 | Emily Y. Howard | 30% | 19% | 26,159 |
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.