Metairie’s 7-month wait time is trending downward and is faster than the 8-month national average. With a 57% allowance rate, the office sits in the typical range for hearings. Because outcomes here depend on the quality of your medical evidence, your best strategy is to use the remaining time to build a comprehensive, updated file. An attorney can help you prepare your case.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 7-month wait, you have a window to ensure your medical records are current and complete. Your hearing will last roughly 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will likely testify about your ability to perform specific jobs. You must submit all new evidence well before the hearing, as last-minute additions are restricted. Bring your photo ID and an updated list of medications, including their side effects and how they impact your daily activities. If you have statements from family or coworkers regarding your limitations, these can provide essential context for the judge. A decision is rarely made on the spot; you will receive the outcome by mail weeks after the proceeding.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 10 judges at this office maintains consistency, with allowance rates clustering between 48% and 64%. Because the judges operate within this range, outcomes are generally predictable regardless of which judge is randomly assigned to your case. While this consistency is helpful, each judge still weighs evidence differently, so your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, leaving less time to correct gaps in your medical record once your date is set. Even at offices with a 57% allowance rate, cases often fail because they do not anticipate the vocational expert's questions about your functional limits. Preparing your file against these specific challenges is a critical step before you walk into the Galleria Building.
About This Hearing Office
With 1,794 dispositions in the latest period, this office manages a high volume of cases. Keep these location and contact details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Metairie, LA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christopher H. Juge | 62% | 53% | 27,564 | |
| 2 | Karen Wiedemann | 54% | 39% | 26,107 | |
| 3 | Holly Hansen | 50% | 44% | 26,122 | |
| 4 | Timothy G. Stewart | 48% | 41% | 10,536 | |
| 5 | David Benedict | 47% | 40% | 31,376 | |
| 6 | Michael S. Hertzig | 45% | 56% | 26,795 | |
| 7 | Richard M. Exnicios | 43% | 45% | 23,991 | |
| 8 | Benita A. Lobo | 39% | 33% | 6,950 | |
| 9 | Gerardo Perez | 39% | 33% | 11,624 | |
| 10 | Ruth Ramsey | 24% | 20% | 5,581 |
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.