At 7 months, the wait for a hearing in Minneapolis is one month faster than the national average. With an office-wide allowance rate of 54%, your outcome is consistent with typical hearing-stage results. Because the panel of 11 judges shows a moderate spread in approval rates, your success depends on the quality of the medical evidence you present. An attorney can help you identify the specific medical gaps that often lead to denials and prepare you for the vocational expert's 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 steady 7-month wait, you have a predictable window to organize your medical records before your hearing date. Your hearing will likely last 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will often testify regarding available work. You must submit all updated medical evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. Bring your identification, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of your current medications including their side effects. If you have witness statements from former coworkers or family members, these can also provide essential context for your limitations. The judge will not issue a decision on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail several weeks later.
The Judges at This Office
The 11 judges at this office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 48% to 74% with a median of 56%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, leaving less room for error if your initial evidence submission is incomplete. When a panel's approval rates span 26 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. This variation across the panel highlights the importance of a well-documented medical history.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles over 3,600 cases annually; keep these location and contact details handy as you prepare for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Minneapolis, MN
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William G. Brown | 68% | 58% | 14,685 | |
| 2 | David B. Washington | 67% | 57% | 22,658 | |
| 3 | Julie Sammer | 63% | 51% | 6,576 | |
| 4 | Corey Ayling | 61% | 43% | 27,526 | |
| 5 | Jeffrey W. Hart | 60% | 54% | 26,819 | |
| 6 | Michael D. Quayle | 58% | 49% | 3,351 | |
| 7 | Sarah Lough | 56% | 46% | 4,475 | |
| 8 | Peter Kimball | 53% | 42% | 28,989 | |
| 9 | Micah Pharris | 47% | 46% | 28,009 | |
| 10 | Nicholas Grey | 46% | 43% | 18,352 | |
| 11 | Virginia Kuhn | 46% | 39% | 15,187 | |
| 12 | Joshua Klasic | 45% | 41% | 4,507 | |
| 13 | Stewart Alford | 44% | 37% | 1,906 | |
| 14 | Mary M. Kunz | 43% | 37% | 4,625 | |
| 15 | Roger W. Thomas | 34% | 29% | 6,910 |
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.