Oak Brook's 7-month wait time is 1 month faster than the national average, giving you a shorter window to finalize your evidence. With an office-wide allowance rate of 57%, your success depends on the quality of your medical record. Because the panel shows a moderate spread in approval rates, an attorney can help you identify your specific judge's tendencies to improve your preparation.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Oak Brook move at a steady pace, so you should prioritize submitting updated medical records as soon as they become available. The hearing itself typically involves you sitting before an ALJ to answer questions about your limitations. A vocational expert is often present to testify on whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental restrictions. You should bring a clear, updated list of your medications and their side effects, along with any daily-activity logs that document your struggles. Because there is a strict evidence-submission deadline, you cannot rely on bringing new documents to the hearing room. Your final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office consists of 4 judges who demonstrate a moderate spread in their allowance rates, ranging from 39% to 79%. This variation means that while the office average is 57%, your specific outcome can be influenced by which judge is assigned to your case. Because judges weigh evidence differently, your file must be robust enough to stand up to the specific scrutiny of the judge you draw.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 7-month wait time, you have a limited window to ensure your file is complete before your hearing date arrives. Many people use this time to simply wait, but an experienced attorney uses it to pressure-test your medical evidence against the requirements of the Social Security Administration. By identifying gaps in your record early, you can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to denials.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the Oak Brook office, located at Suite 201, 2301 West 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
Most Favorable Judges
Oak Brook, IL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bernadette Freeman | 83% | 71% | 7,321 | |
| 2 | Steven H. Templin | 81% | 69% | 6,030 | |
| 3 | William J. Mackowiak | 81% | 69% | 21,332 | |
| 4 | Claudia Travis | 74% | 65% | 4,788 | |
| 5 | James A. Horn | 64% | 54% | 558 | |
| 6 | Robert M. Senander | 61% | 52% | 6,147 | |
| 7 | Joel G. Fina | 61% | 48% | 25,770 | |
| 8 | John K. Kraybill | 56% | 48% | 3,658 | |
| 9 | Janice M. Bruning | 54% | 46% | 34,256 | |
| 10 | Edward P. Studzinski | 34% | 30% | 32,459 |
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.