With an allowance rate of 57%, Newark outcomes align with national norms, meaning your success depends on the quality of your evidence. The panel of 11 judges shows a wide spread in approval rates, ranging from 24% to 74%. Because your assigned judge impacts your odds, building a robust medical record is the most effective way to prepare. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for your hearing.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 9-month wait that has been trending upward, you have a window to organize your medical evidence before your hearing. Your hearing will typically involve an ALJ and a Vocational Expert who will testify regarding your ability to perform specific jobs. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and daily-activity logs well before the deadline. Because the panel at this office has a wide spread in approval rates, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. Once the hearing concludes, you will receive a written decision by mail.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 11 judges at this office exhibits a wide spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 24% to 74%. This variation means that the judge assigned to your case will weigh your evidence through a different lens than their colleagues. While cases are assigned randomly, this disparity underscores the importance of having a file that is thoroughly documented.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation or missing medical context. You can navigate this uncertainty by identifying the specific vocational questions the expert is likely to ask and ensuring your medical records directly address the criteria for SSDI disability. A focused review of your file before the hearing date is the highest-leverage step you can take to improve your chances.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles 3,454 dispositions annually; keep these details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Newark, NJ
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Theresa Merrill | 74% | 70% | 21,471 | |
| 2 | Meryl L. Lissek | 70% | 60% | 18,286 | |
| 3 | Donna A. Krappa | 69% | 59% | 20,065 | |
| 4 | Richard West | 65% | 57% | 23,548 | |
| 5 | John Campbell | 63% | 51% | 17,870 | |
| 6 | Gina Pesaresi | 61% | 52% | 16,209 | |
| 7 | Douglass Alvarado | 61% | 52% | 13,899 | |
| 8 | Dennis O'Leary | 60% | 51% | 15,403 | |
| 9 | Karen Shelton | 58% | 44% | 24,416 | |
| 10 | Leonard Olarsch | 57% | 48% | 8,499 | |
| 11 | Ricardy Damille | 56% | 48% | 23,328 | |
| 12 | Leah Farrell | 55% | 47% | 2,125 | |
| 13 | Sharon Allard | 55% | 41% | 21,448 | |
| 14 | Beth Shillin | 53% | 45% | 16,997 | |
| 15 | Leonard F. Costa | 52% | 55% | 23,205 | |
| 16 | Kenneth Ayers | 40% | 36% | 23,680 | |
| 17 | John Giannopoulos | 27% | 23% | 891 | |
| 18 | Peter R. Lee | 19% | 18% | 18,888 |
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.