Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary, with approval rates across the panel ranging from 26% to 86%. Because cases are assigned randomly, the judge you draw can impact your hearing experience. This wide spread means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits, regardless of the specific judge assigned to your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Malfa | 86% | 1,997 | |
| 2 | James J. D'Alessandro | 75% | 472 | |
| 3 | Lisa Groeneveld-Meijer | 63% | 3,608 | |
| 4 | Tracy LaChance | 63% | 3,021 | |
| 5 | Paul G. Martin | 62% | 2,232 | |
| 6 | Dory Sutker | 61% | 2,338 | |
| 7 | Edward Malvey | 60% | 2,805 | |
| 8 | Elizabeth M. Tafe | 57% | 330 | |
| 9 | Joshua Menard | 49% | 3,371 | |
| 10 | Matthew G. Levin | 44% | 3,582 | |
| 11 | Thomas Merrill | 26% | 1,846 |
How long you'll wait
At Manchester, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 months— versus a national average of 8.2 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Going to your hearing
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your case. Because the wait time in Manchester is trending downward to 8 months, you should prioritize updating your medical records immediately. You must submit any new evidence well before the hearing date. During the hearing, a vocational expert often testifies about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific limitations. You can question this expert to clarify how your conditions prevent full-time work. A final decision arrives by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span a 60-point gap, your file must be strong enough that it meets the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel. Preparing your daily-activity logs to reflect your true limitations is a key step in building a robust case.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Manchester, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. SSA's published service areas route these offices' appeals here. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The current average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months, which is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you prepare your case while you wait.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Manchester. Because of the wide variation in approval rates across this panel, it is important to have your medical evidence fully prepared regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for any judge.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. An attorney can help you review your file to ensure it is robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
While not required, having representation is highly recommended. Represented claimants are more likely to be allowed benefits, as an attorney can help you navigate the complex vocational testimony and ensure your medical record is complete. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
