The MT. Pleasant office maintains a 66% allowance rate, which is high for a hearing office. With a steady 7-month wait time, you have a predictable window to organize your medical evidence. Because the panel shows a moderate spread in approval rates, your success depends on building a file that clearly addresses the specific limitations an ALJ will weigh. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet these requirements.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing date.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in MT. Pleasant move at a steady pace, giving you 7 months to ensure your medical records are complete. You must submit all new evidence well before your hearing date. During the proceeding, you will sit before an Administrative Law Judge while a vocational expert testifies about available work. Your prep should focus on a detailed daily-activity log and a current list of medications and their side effects. If you have statements from former coworkers or family members regarding your physical or mental limitations, include them in your file. The ALJ will weigh this evidence against the vocational expert's testimony to determine if you meet SSDI eligibility requirements.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 8 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 43% to 70%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation makes it essential to build a robust, objective case that stands on its own merits regardless of which judge presides over your hearing.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office come up in 7 months, leaving little room for error once your date is set. Even with a 66% allowance rate, cases often fail when they do not anticipate the vocational expert's questions regarding transferable skills. Focusing on your specific work history and medical limitations is the most effective way to prepare for the hearing.
About This Hearing Office
With 1,908 dispositions in the latest period, this office is active. Keep these location and contact details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Mount Pleasant, MI
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JoErin O'Leary | 63% | 61% | 27,689 | |
| 2 | Laura Chess | 63% | 46% | 29,159 | |
| 3 | Adam Dale | 58% | 61% | 19,789 | |
| 4 | Mara-Louise Anzalone | 58% | 49% | 1,097 | |
| 5 | Manh H. Nguyen | 56% | 56% | 25,443 | |
| 6 | Jeffrey Raeber | 55% | 55% | 21,049 | |
| 7 | Mikel Lupisella | 55% | 63% | 23,640 | |
| 8 | Sean McKee | 31% | 26% | 1,559 |
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.