With an allowance rate of 70%, the South Jersey office is one of the more favorable venues for your SSDI claim. While the 8.5-month wait is steady and aligns with national averages, the high approval rate suggests that well-documented medical evidence is often rewarded here. Use your remaining wait time to organize your records and prepare for the testimony an Administrative Law Judge will require. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence and testimony to ensure your case is ready for your hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your hearing in Pennsauken will involve an Administrative Law Judge reviewing your medical history and daily limitations. Because this office maintains a steady 8.5-month wait, you have a clear window to ensure your file is complete. Prioritize updating your medical records to reflect any changes since your initial denial, as these documents are the foundation of your testimony. You should also prepare a detailed list of your medications and their side effects, along with a log of your daily activities. During the hearing, a Vocational Expert will often testify regarding whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental constraints. You have the right to question this expert, which is a critical step in challenging assumptions about your ability to work.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office consists of 10 judges who demonstrate a moderate spread in their decision-making, with allowance rates ranging from 53% to 82%. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the outcome. Cases are assigned randomly, meaning you cannot choose your judge, but understanding the panel's median 70% allowance rate helps set realistic expectations for your hearing.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 70% allowance rate, the South Jersey office is a venue where a strong, evidence-based file can lead to a successful outcome. However, the 29-point spread between the most and least lenient judges means that your case must be prepared to satisfy the most rigorous standards of the panel. Understanding the local judge tendencies helps you anticipate the vocational questions that often arise during testimony.
About This Hearing Office
With 3,533 total dispositions in the latest reporting period, the South Jersey office is a high-volume site; keep these location details accessible for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Pennsauken, NJ
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louis G. McAfoos III | 93% | 79% | 8,642 | |
| 2 | Karen Patterson | 79% | 67% | 4,486 | |
| 3 | Kathleen Cornell | 77% | 71% | 4,363 | |
| 4 | Kimberly Varillo | 76% | 75% | 18,782 | |
| 5 | Kenneth Bossong | 76% | 65% | 5,188 | |
| 6 | Daniel N. Shellhamer | 74% | 63% | 14,389 | |
| 7 | Frederick Timm | 70% | 64% | 30,321 | |
| 8 | Lisa Hibner Olson | 69% | 62% | 12,561 | |
| 9 | Elizabeth A. Lardaro | 60% | 54% | 17,088 | |
| 10 | Nicholas Cerulli | 60% | 46% | 15,734 | |
| 11 | Tonya Green | 58% | 39% | 3,896 | |
| 12 | Lisa Hibner | 53% | 45% | 9,171 | |
| 13 | Nancy Lisewski | 49% | 42% | 18,366 |
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.