Approval rates
The approval rate for Joseph M. Hillegas is based on 469 lifetime decisions recorded since 2016. When evaluating this figure, consider that the Philadelphia hearing office bench features a wide range of lifetime approval rates, spanning from 42% to 78%. Aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predicting outcomes for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Hillegas. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Hillegas'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
The record for Joseph M. Hillegas covers the period from 2016 to 2016, during which the judge issued 469 lifetime decisions. The data shows a stable approval pattern during this window. Because the decision-making history is consistent, you can focus on ensuring your medical documentation is complete and well-organized. This steady pattern suggests that the judge relies on the specific evidence presented in each case.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Hillegas'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 Philadelphia hearing office
The Philadelphia hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a key hub for Social Security Disability Insurance hearings in Pennsylvania. The office maintains a bench of 14 judges on record who manage a high volume of cases. You can expect a formal environment where clear, objective medical evidence is the primary factor in a successful outcome. You can visit the Philadelphia hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 14 judges on record at the Philadelphia hearing office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 42% to 78%.
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
Joseph M. Hillegas has a lifetime approval rate of 68%, which sits within the broader office-wide range of 42% to 78% for the 14 judges on record. While this places the judge in the upper half of the local bench, your outcome depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively to this specific judge.
The data for Joseph M. Hillegas, covering the period from 2016 to 2016, shows a steady approval pattern. With 469 lifetime decisions on record, the judge's approach has remained consistent. If you are concerned about how your case will be viewed, an attorney can help you prepare by highlighting the most relevant aspects of your medical history.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, the best strategy is to ensure your case is as strong as possible before the hearing date. An attorney can help you prepare your case.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your testimony aligns with your medical evidence.
A 68% lifetime approval rate is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of how Joseph M. Hillegas will rule on your specific claim. Every case involves different medical conditions and vocational factors. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and identify potential gaps in your evidence.