At 6.5 months, the wait for a hearing in Livonia is faster than the 8-month national average, giving you a shorter window to finalize your evidence. With an office-wide allowance rate of 57%, your success depends on the quality of your medical record. An attorney can help you organize your file to ensure the ALJ has a clear, documented picture of your limitations before the hearing begins.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Because hearings in Livonia move faster than the national norm, you must prioritize evidence submission early. Your hearing will typically involve an ALJ reviewing your file while a vocational expert testifies regarding your ability to perform work. You should bring an updated list of your medications, including side effects, and a detailed log of your daily activities. If you have new medical records since your last denial, ensure they are submitted well before the deadline. The ALJ will weigh your testimony alongside the expert's analysis, so consistency in your medical history is vital. A decision will arrive by mail after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The panel in Livonia consists of 9 ALJs with a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 42% to 65%. Because judges weigh evidence differently, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the outcome. This variation is why your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the judge assigned.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office come up quickly, leaving little room for error once your date is set. When a panel's allowance rates span 23 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. Preparing your evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony is a standard way to ensure your case is ready for the hearing room.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for the day of your hearing at the Victor Parkway office.
Most Favorable Judges
Livonia, MI
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mary S. Connolly | 75% | 64% | 12,683 | |
| 2 | Dennis M. Matulewicz | 73% | 62% | 27,759 | |
| 3 | Ramona L. Fernandez | 68% | 39% | 25,724 | |
| 4 | Donald G. D'Amato | 64% | 59% | 31,582 | |
| 5 | Patrick J. MacLean | 63% | 54% | 18,133 | |
| 6 | David A. Mason Jr. | 62% | 39% | 18,660 | |
| 7 | Richard L. Sasena | 62% | 53% | 5,060 | |
| 8 | John Dodson | 62% | 53% | 17,139 | |
| 9 | Robert J. Chavez | 61% | 58% | 19,770 | |
| 10 | Sarah R. Smisek | 60% | 52% | 23,830 | |
| 11 | B. L. Blair | 59% | 50% | 11,844 | |
| 12 | Martha M. Gasparovich | 56% | 48% | 19,454 | |
| 13 | Anthony R. Smereka | 55% | 49% | 32,344 | |
| 14 | Christopher J. Mattia | 54% | 48% | 21,972 | |
| 15 | Henry Perez Jr. | 51% | 43% | 3,943 | |
| 16 | Allison Dietz | 47% | 42% | 21,564 | |
| 17 | Lauren G. Burstein | 46% | 37% | 21,949 |
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.