The 10-month wait for a hearing in Lawrence is longer than the national average of 8 months, while the office's 57% allowance rate is typical for the hearing stage. Because the panel of 6 judges shows a moderate spread in approval rates, your outcome depends on the quality of the evidence you present. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for vocational testimony.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 10-month wait, you have a significant runway to strengthen your file before you appear before an ALJ. Your most critical task is submitting updated medical records that address the specific limitations cited in your initial denial. Beyond clinical notes, prepare a daily-activity log that details how your condition impacts your ability to perform basic tasks. During your hearing, a Vocational Expert will likely testify about jobs that fit your residual functional capacity. You will have the opportunity to question this expert, which is often the turning point of the proceeding. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail after your hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office consists of 6 judges with a moderate spread in their allowance rates, ranging from 47% to 72%. While the median rate of 54% provides a baseline, the variation across the panel means that which judge you draw can influence the outcome of your case. Because assignments are random, your best strategy is to build a file that is robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
A 10-month wait is time you can use to pressure-test your file against the specific vocational questions you will face. When a panel's allowance rates span 25 points, your documentation must be precise enough to withstand scrutiny regardless of who presides. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to succeed at this stage because they enter the room with a clear theory of their case.
About This Hearing Office
By the time your hearing date arrives, you may need a quick refresher on where to go; here is the office information at a glance.
Most Favorable Judges
Lawrence, MA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan P. Baird | 73% | 61% | 26,902 | |
| 2 | Timothy Belford | 59% | 43% | 26,112 | |
| 3 | Anthony Dziepak | 56% | 48% | 25,726 | |
| 4 | Brian Curley | 54% | 46% | 8,948 | |
| 5 | John Benson | 49% | 44% | 21,862 | |
| 6 | Ellen P. Bush | 46% | 28% | 23,503 | |
| 7 | Patricia M. French | 42% | 36% | 4,162 |
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.