Boston's hearing wait time is trending downward, currently sitting at 9 months. With an office-wide allowance rate of 53%, your success depends heavily on the quality of your medical evidence. Because the panel of 7 judges shows a moderate spread in their approval rates, thorough preparation of your file is the most effective way to improve your odds of a favorable decision. An attorney can help you prepare your case to ensure your medical evidence is ready for your hearing.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 9-month wait, you have a critical window to strengthen your file before you face an Administrative Law Judge. Your hearing will typically last about an hour, during which the judge may call a Vocational Expert to testify about your ability to perform work in the national economy. You must submit all updated medical records, a detailed medication list including side effects, and a daily-activity log well before the deadline. Because hearings at this office move through a panel of 7 judges, your evidence must be clear enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. A decision is rarely issued on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail after your appearance.
The Judges at This Office
The 7 judges at the Boston office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 35% to 66%. This variation means that while the office average is 53%, your specific outcome can be influenced by the judge assigned to your case. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential to ensure your medical documentation is robust enough to meet the standards of any member of the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
A 9-month wait is time you can use to pressure-test your medical record against the specific questions a Vocational Expert will likely raise. When a panel's allowance rates span over 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. You can evaluate your current evidence and identify the gaps that often lead to denials at the hearing stage.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building.
Most Favorable Judges
Boston, MA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carol A. Sax | 75% | 64% | 13,868 | |
| 2 | Robert J. Kelly | 69% | 59% | 11,043 | |
| 3 | James H. Packer | 68% | 58% | 13,768 | |
| 4 | Francis Hurley | 65% | 56% | 21,104 | |
| 5 | Noran J. Camp | 64% | 54% | 3,523 | |
| 6 | Joel F. Gardiner | 63% | 54% | 1,143 | |
| 7 | Alexander Klibaner | 57% | 46% | 20,605 | |
| 8 | William T. Ross | 56% | 49% | 21,757 | |
| 9 | William Ramsey | 53% | 59% | 16,053 | |
| 10 | Daniel J. Driscoll | 50% | 43% | 16,365 | |
| 11 | Henry J. Hogan | 47% | 40% | 18,117 | |
| 12 | Stephen C. Fulton | 47% | 40% | 15,916 | |
| 13 | Sean Teehan | 38% | 31% | 21,510 | |
| 14 | Sujata Rodgers | 37% | 29% | 26,328 |
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.