With an allowance rate of 65%, this office is more favorable to claimants than many others nationwide. Because the judges here have a wide range of allowance rates—from 46% to 90%—your outcome depends heavily on the specific judge assigned to your case. An attorney can help you build a file that meets the evidentiary standards of any judge on this panel.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
You have an 8-month wait before your hearing, which gives you time to ensure your medical record is complete. You must submit all updated medical records, including recent treatment notes and test results, well before your hearing date. During your hearing, you will testify about your limitations, and a vocational expert will likely provide testimony regarding your ability to perform work. Your preparation should include a detailed log of your daily activities and a list of medication side effects that impact your ability to work. Because the panel at this office shows wide variation in allowance rates, your evidence must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge presides.
The Judges at This Office
The 11 judges at this office show a wide spread in allowance rates, with outcomes varying significantly between a low of 46% and a high of 90%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each individual weighs evidence differently. This variation makes thorough file preparation essential, as your documentation must be clear enough to satisfy the requirements of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. While this office has a high overall allowance rate, you may struggle to secure a favorable decision if you fail to anticipate the questions of the vocational expert. Preparing your testimony and medical evidence in advance helps you address the specific criteria for disability.
About This Hearing Office
This office processed 3,192 cases in the last reporting period; keep these details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Jersey City, NJ
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrea Addison | 81% | 71% | 22,450 | |
| 2 | Sheena Barr | 78% | 85% | 21,512 | |
| 3 | Kevin Kenneally | 65% | 60% | 25,828 | |
| 4 | Gina Pantuso | 63% | 56% | 3,623 | |
| 5 | Jack Russak | 60% | 46% | 25,001 | |
| 6 | Marguerite Toland | 57% | 52% | 16,843 | |
| 7 | David Suna | 57% | 60% | 20,127 | |
| 8 | Trina Moore | 47% | 35% | 19,967 | |
| 9 | Dina R. Loewy | 44% | 46% | 16,638 |
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.