At 6.5 months, the wait for a hearing in Indianapolis is faster than the 8-month national average. With a 61% allowance rate, the office is consistent, but the variation across the 12-judge panel means your outcome depends on the evidence you present. An attorney can help you organize your medical records to ensure your file is ready for your hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, so you must prioritize your evidence submission early. You will typically spend time in front of an ALJ, who will evaluate your medical history and daily limitations. A vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific restrictions, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Bring your current medication list, a log of your daily activities, and any updated medical records from your doctors since your initial denial. Because the Social Security Administration imposes strict deadlines for submitting new evidence, waiting until the last minute can leave you without critical support for your claim. Your final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The 12 judges at this office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 44% to 74% with a median of 66%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge presides over your session.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings in Indianapolis come up quickly, leaving little room for error once your date is set. When a panel's allowance rates span 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. An attorney can help you bridge these gaps by identifying the specific medical evidence that aligns with the requirements of the Social Security Disability Insurance program.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles over 5,165 dispositions annually; keep these location and contact details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Indianapolis, IN
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David L. Welch | 75% | 64% | 5,401 | |
| 2 | Albert J. Velasquez | 72% | 69% | 31,974 | |
| 3 | John H. Metz | 71% | 60% | 5,480 | |
| 4 | Timothy Turner | 68% | 67% | 14,534 | |
| 5 | Daniel J. Mages | 67% | 69% | 30,530 | |
| 6 | James R. Norris | 66% | 56% | 3,045 | |
| 7 | Ronald T. Jordan | 66% | 56% | 14,359 | |
| 8 | Shelette Veal | 65% | 61% | 25,411 | |
| 9 | Jody H. Odell | 63% | 66% | 30,371 | |
| 10 | Monica LaPolt | 61% | 61% | 25,241 | |
| 11 | Blanca B. de la Torre | 60% | 51% | 8,528 | |
| 12 | Noell F. Allen | 59% | 64% | 18,262 | |
| 13 | Fredric Roberson | 57% | 54% | 25,601 | |
| 14 | T. Whitaker | 56% | 48% | 15,244 | |
| 15 | Belinda J. Brown | 53% | 45% | 15,347 | |
| 16 | Teresa A. Kroenecke | 50% | 49% | 27,115 | |
| 17 | Kevin Walker | 48% | 41% | 26,867 | |
| 18 | Gladys Whitfield | 48% | 42% | 25,377 | |
| 19 | Jeffrey S. Ciegel | 44% | 39% | 7,787 | |
| 20 | Kimberly Sorg-Graves | 41% | 35% | 3,524 |
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.