With a 59% allowance rate, the Manchester office aligns with typical national performance trends, meaning your outcome depends on the quality of your medical evidence. While the 9-month wait is 1 month longer than the national average, it provides a window to build a robust file. An attorney can help you organize your records to ensure your limitations are clear before you face the judge.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
You have 9 months before your hearing, which is a critical runway to strengthen your file. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are the most important documents for the Administrative Law Judge. You should also compile a detailed log of your daily activities and a list of medication side effects that impact your ability to work. During your hearing, a Vocational Expert will likely testify about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific limitations. You will have the opportunity to question this expert to clarify how your health prevents sustained employment. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so ensure your file is complete well before your date.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 7 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 medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides over your session.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
A 27-point spread in judge allowance rates means your case needs to be well-documented to succeed regardless of the random assignment. While you wait out the 9-month processing time, you can identify gaps in your medical record that a judge might use to deny your claim. Focusing on these gaps helps you prepare for the specific requirements of the Manchester panel.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day, including the office location and hours for the Manchester facility.
Most Favorable Judges
Manchester, NH
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Malfa | 87% | 100% | 15,648 | |
| 2 | James J. D'Alessandro | 74% | 63% | 4,121 | |
| 3 | Lisa Groeneveld-Meijer | 64% | 51% | 24,878 | |
| 4 | Tracy LaChance | 63% | 56% | 19,919 | |
| 5 | Paul G. Martin | 62% | 59% | 16,364 | |
| 6 | Dory Sutker | 61% | 52% | 18,487 | |
| 7 | Edward Malvey | 61% | 62% | 19,560 | |
| 8 | Elizabeth M. Tafe | 56% | 48% | 2,939 | |
| 9 | Joshua Menard | 48% | 45% | 23,928 | |
| 10 | Matthew G. Levin | 46% | 38% | 27,860 | |
| 11 | Thomas Merrill | 26% | 22% | 17,389 |
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.