Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. While Sharon Allard has a 55% approval rate on record since 2016, her latest-period performance shows a 58% approval rate, which is 3 percentage points higher than the Newark office's latest-period average. These figures are derived from 2,992 decisions on record since 2016. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Allard's docket. Annual rates fluctuate with the mix of cases SSA assigns; the longer-run pattern is more informative than any single year.
Decision pattern
Since 2016, Sharon Allard has maintained a consistent pattern of decisions across 2,992 cases. The yearly trend shows fluctuation, with approval rates moving from 52% in 2016 to a peak of 63% in 2019. The most recent data from 2026 shows an approval rate of 58%. This latest period reflects a continuation of a steady pattern in case outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Allard's bench. Judge-specific preparation guidance requires a corpus of public Appeals Council decisions involving each judge, which we haven't built yet.
- Bring a clean treating-physician record. Longitudinal primary-care or specialist notes spanning the disability period, with consistent symptom documentation, are typically the strongest evidence at hearing. A single month's records usually aren't enough.
- Don't rely on consultative exams alone. If your medical evidence is built primarily around a one-time CE finding, expect detailed questioning. Supplement with treating-source statements where possible.
- Prepare for daily-activity questions. Have honest, specific answers about a typical day. Answers that conflict with the medical record (in either direction) tend to hurt credibility.
- Expect transferable-skills probing. A vocational expert will usually testify about jobs available to someone with your limitations. Your representative should be prepared to cross-examine.
About the Newark hearing office
The Newark office serves claimants across New Jersey. This office maintains a bench of 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, reflecting a diverse range of decision patterns. The office-wide approval rate in the latest reporting period is 55%, providing a baseline for the local bench.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Newark
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Within the Newark office, there are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Approval rates for these judges vary significantly, ranging from 20% to 73% on their records since 2016. The guidance for your hearing remains consistent regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Sharon Allard has an approval rate of 55% on her record since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 20% to 73% observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Newark. An attorney can help you understand how these local trends might influence your hearing strategy.
Yes, the approval rate for Sharon Allard has fluctuated over time, starting at 52% in 2016 and reaching 58% in the most recent 2026 reporting period. These shifts often reflect changes in the types of cases or evidence presented. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific requirements of your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and hears testimony. You will likely be asked questions about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare your testimony for the hearing.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Sharon Allard has approved 55% of cases since 2016, your individual success depends on the specific medical evidence and documentation supporting your disability claim. An attorney can help you evaluate the strength of your case.
