Chicago's 56% allowance rate is typical for a hearing office, meaning your outcome depends on the strength of your medical evidence. While the 8-month wait is trending upward, it provides a window to organize your records. A focused review of your functional limitations is the most effective step you can take to prepare for your day before an ALJ. An attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8-month wait time, you have a runway to ensure your medical file is complete. You must submit all updated records, including recent specialist notes and medication side-effect logs, before the deadline. During your hearing, an ALJ will preside while a vocational expert testifies about your ability to perform past or alternative work. You will be under oath, and your ability to clearly articulate your daily physical or mental limitations is vital. Because the panel at this office shows variation in how they weigh evidence, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 10 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 43% to 79% with a median of 57%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs medical evidence differently. This variation makes it essential to prepare for a rigorous standard of review.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span 36 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. Many claimants spend the 8-month wait simply hoping for a favorable outcome, but an experienced representative uses that time to pressure-test your evidence against the specific vocational questions you will face.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles 3,094 dispositions annually; keep these location and contact details accessible as you finalize your hearing preparations.
Most Favorable Judges
Chicago, IL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonny S. Barezky | 81% | 75% | 23,787 | |
| 2 | William Wenzel | 73% | 62% | 9,240 | |
| 3 | Michael G. Logan | 70% | 62% | 21,788 | |
| 4 | Brian Saame | 63% | 59% | 9,630 | |
| 5 | Carla Suffi | 60% | 56% | 25,447 | |
| 6 | David Skidmore | 59% | 49% | 23,525 | |
| 7 | Jose Anglada | 56% | 48% | 11,191 | |
| 8 | Melissa M. Santiago | 49% | 42% | 8,122 | |
| 9 | Bill Laskaris | 46% | 35% | 27,045 | |
| 10 | Jordan Garelick | 46% | 37% | 20,070 | |
| 11 | Percival Harmon | 45% | 38% | 531 | |
| 12 | Margaret A. Carey | 44% | 33% | 24,189 | |
| 13 | Nathan Mellman | 41% | 36% | 23,993 | |
| 14 | Laurie Wardell | 41% | 35% | 25,713 |
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.