The 7-month wait time at this office is faster than the 8-month national average, providing you a predictable window to organize your medical evidence. With an office-wide allowance rate of 52%, your outcome often depends on the specific documentation you present to the Administrative Law Judge. An attorney can help you build a record that addresses the vocational testimony you will face under oath.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Savannah center on your ability to perform work-related tasks. You should arrive with updated medical records that reflect any changes in your condition since your initial denial, as the Social Security Administration restricts late evidence submissions. During the hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs available in the national economy that fit your physical or mental limitations. You or your representative will have the opportunity to question this expert regarding whether those jobs are truly sustainable for you. Your daily-activity log and statements from coworkers or family members can provide the context that medical charts often miss. A decision is rarely issued on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 5 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 41% to 65%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 24-point spread between the most and least lenient judges on this panel, your preparation must account for the strictest standards of evidence. An attorney who understands the Savannah panel can help you identify the specific medical gaps that might lead to a denial. By pressure-testing your file before the hearing, you ensure that your testimony and medical evidence are aligned to meet the requirements of the SSDI program.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day, including the office address and operating hours for the Savannah location.
Most Favorable Judges
Savannah, GA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millard L. Biloon | 80% | 68% | 7,120 | |
| 2 | Robert O. Foerster | 73% | 62% | 22,617 | |
| 3 | Paul S. Carter | 68% | 58% | 15,875 | |
| 4 | John R. Mason | 65% | 55% | 17,603 | |
| 5 | Vickie Evans | 64% | 59% | 23,401 | |
| 6 | John H. Maclean | 63% | 54% | 7,868 | |
| 7 | Constance D. Carter | 60% | 51% | 17,423 | |
| 8 | Michael Dennard | 50% | 54% | 23,772 | |
| 9 | Donald B. Fishman | 50% | 43% | 6,421 | |
| 10 | Jeffrey A. Ferguson | 49% | 33% | 19,104 | |
| 11 | Linda D. Taylor | 43% | 43% | 18,716 | |
| 12 | Morton J. Gold Jr. | 41% | 35% | 522 | |
| 13 | Craig R. Petersen | 40% | 31% | 28,686 | |
| 14 | Geoffrey S. Casher | 37% | 31% | 21,282 |
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.