SSA Hearing Office

Louisville Hearing Office

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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At 7 months, the wait for a hearing in Louisville is faster than the national average of 8 months. Because the office maintains a 54% allowance rate, your success depends on the quality of your medical record. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to ensure your file is ready for the ALJ.

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Preparing for Your Hearing

Hearings in Louisville move at a steady pace, giving you 7 months to build a robust file before you face an Administrative Law Judge. Your primary task is to consolidate all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these documents provide the objective proof of your limitations. During the hearing, you will likely encounter a Vocational Expert who will testify about which jobs, if any, you can perform given your specific health constraints. You should arrive with a detailed log of your daily activities and a list of medication side effects, as these details often clarify the testimony. Because evidence-submission deadlines are strict, you must ensure all records are filed well before the hearing date. The ALJ will weigh this evidence alongside your testimony, and you will receive a formal decision by mail.

The Judges at This Office

The panel of 10 judges in Louisville shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 42% to 71% with a median of 53%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs evidence according to their own interpretation of Social Security Administration standards. This variation means your file must be strong enough to withstand scrutiny regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.

Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage

Hearings at this office come up in 7 months, a timeframe that allows for a thorough, strategic review of your medical history. While the office's 54% allowance rate is typical, the gap between represented and pro se claimants remains significant because attorneys know how to anticipate the questions a Vocational Expert will ask. You can evaluate your current evidence to identify gaps before your hearing date arrives.

About This Hearing Office

With 3,150 dispositions processed in the latest period, this office is a high-volume hub for Kentucky claimants. Keep these location and contact details handy for your hearing day.

Most Favorable Judges

Louisville, KY

Approval Rate
76%
Full Approval
65%
Total Decisions
8,758
Approval Rate
69%
Full Approval
59%
Total Decisions
566
Approval Rate
62%
Full Approval
53%
Total Decisions
2,486
Approval Rate
57%
Full Approval
51%
Total Decisions
22,786
Approval Rate
57%
Full Approval
56%
Total Decisions
23,202
Approval Rate
55%
Full Approval
65%
Total Decisions
17,289
Approval Rate
54%
Full Approval
48%
Total Decisions
9,573
Approval Rate
53%
Full Approval
47%
Total Decisions
27,742
Approval Rate
52%
Full Approval
44%
Total Decisions
20,263
Approval Rate
50%
Full Approval
35%
Total Decisions
25,406
Approval Rate
47%
Full Approval
62%
Total Decisions
18,291
Approval Rate
45%
Full Approval
36%
Total Decisions
25,490
Approval Rate
43%
Full Approval
37%
Total Decisions
810
Approval Rate
39%
Full Approval
33%
Total Decisions
14,833
Rank Judge Approval Rate Full Approval Total Decisions
1Daniel A. Traver 76% 65% 8,758
2Roland D. Mather 69% 59% 566
3Patrick B. Kimberlin III 62% 53% 2,486
4Stacey L. Foster 57% 51% 22,786
5Susan Brock 57% 56% 23,202
6Brandie Hall 55% 65% 17,289
7Dennis L. Pickett 54% 48% 9,573
8William C. Zuber 53% 47% 27,742
9D. L. Pickett 52% 44% 20,263
10Candace A. McDaniel 50% 35% 25,406
11Eric Anschuetz 47% 62% 18,291
12Steven Collins 45% 36% 25,490
13Michael J. Nichols 43% 37% 810
14Jeffrey L. Eastham 39% 33% 14,833

Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer

SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own

WITHOUT A LAWYER
baseline approval rate
Applicants without a lawyer
WITH A LAWYER
~3×
higher approval rate
Applicants with a lawyer
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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

Wait (months)
02468Jun '24Sep '25

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.