With a wide allowance-rate spread across the panel—ranging from 9% to 85%—which judge you draw at the Orland Park office significantly impacts your outcome. Because the office-wide 46% approval rate is typical for hearings, your success depends on how well you document your limitations before the hearing date. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence to meet the specific standards of this panel.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your hearing at this office will involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. Because the panel here shows a wide variation in how they weigh evidence, your preparation must be thorough. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of medications with their specific side effects. A vocational expert will often testify regarding your ability to perform past or other work, and you will have the chance to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will typically arrive by mail several weeks after your appearance.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office consists of 9 judges whose allowance rates vary significantly, spanning from 9% to 85%. This wide spread means that outcomes are not uniform and depend heavily on the specific judge assigned to your case. While assignments are random, your file must be robust enough to withstand the scrutiny of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span 76 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many people spend the 7.5-month wait time simply waiting, but you can use that period to bridge gaps in your medical history and anticipate the vocational expert's testimony. By pressure-testing your file before you walk into the hearing room, you can approach your date with more confidence.
About This Hearing Office
With 3,054 dispositions handled in the latest period, this office is a high-volume site. Keep these location details and hours handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Orland Park, IL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Pendola | 70% | 76% | 20,905 | |
| 2 | Gregory Smith | 63% | 47% | 27,839 | |
| 3 | David R. Bruce | 54% | 53% | 30,306 | |
| 4 | Patricia W. Supergan | 54% | 55% | 22,845 | |
| 5 | Matthew Johnson | 52% | 44% | 11,086 | |
| 6 | Michael Hellman | 45% | 27% | 23,311 | |
| 7 | Karen Sayon | 43% | 40% | 28,409 | |
| 8 | Janet Akers | 34% | 21% | 12,655 | |
| 9 | Deborah E. Ellis | 33% | 28% | 23,708 | |
| 10 | Kathleen Kadlec | 28% | 3% | 20,780 | |
| 11 | Deborah M. Giesen | 26% | 10% | 21,747 |
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.