Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 8 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, showing a moderate spread in approval rates, ranging from 32% to 68% with a median of 53%. Because outcomes vary across this range, which judge you draw can influence the tone of your hearing. This variation is a standard part of the process, as each judge weighs evidence and vocational testimony differently. Random assignment is the norm, and your goal is to build a file strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nathaniel E. Strickler | 68% | 1,376 | |
| 2 | Gerard J. Rickert | 60% | 655 | |
| 3 | Daniel Luker | 55% | 1,081 | |
| 4 | Robert H. Schwartz | 53% | 4,292 | |
| 5 | Shreese M. Wilson | 49% | 2,711 | |
| 6 | Susan F. Zapf | 48% | 2,300 | |
| 7 | John M. Wood | 42% | 3,917 | |
| 8 | Diane R. Flebbe | 32% | 84 |
How long you'll wait
At Peoria, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 months— versus a national average of 8.2 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Going to your hearing
Your hearing will likely last about an hour, during which an ALJ will review your case and a vocational expert may testify about your ability to work. Because the wait time in Peoria is a steady 7 months, you have a reliable window to ensure your medical records are current and complete. Bring an updated list of all medications, including side effects, and a daily-activity log that highlights exactly how your condition prevents you from maintaining full-time employment. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so ensure all new medical evidence is filed well before your hearing date. The ALJ will weigh your testimony against the vocational expert's assessment of available jobs. A decision typically arrives by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
With a 7-month wait, the time between your denial and your hearing is your final opportunity to address the gaps that led to your initial rejection. When a panel's approval rates span a 36-point range, your file must be documented so thoroughly that it meets the burden of proof for any judge on the bench. This preparation is essential for navigating the hearing stage effectively.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Peoria, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. SSA's published service areas route these offices' appeals here. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait time for a hearing at this office is 7 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you manage your timeline effectively.
The office-wide approval rate is 58%, which is typical for the hearing stage of the SSDI process. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case to improve your chances.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly. Because there is a moderate spread in approval rates among the 8 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common to this panel.
Focus on updating your medical records, documenting your daily limitations, and reviewing your work history. An attorney can help you organize these materials to effectively cross-examine the vocational expert.
