At 78%, the Queens hearing office maintains an allowance rate higher than the national average. With wait times trending downward to a steady 8 months, you have a clear window to organize your medical evidence. Because the panel of 7 judges shows a moderate spread in approval rates, your success depends on presenting a file that addresses the specific vocational concerns an ALJ will weigh. An attorney can help you identify the gaps in your medical record that a vocational expert might exploit during your testimony.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at the Joseph P Addabbo Federal Building typically involve you, an ALJ, and often a vocational expert who will testify about job availability based on your physical or mental limitations. Your most important task is to submit updated medical records that capture your condition since your last denial. Do not wait until the last minute; evidence submission deadlines are strictly enforced. Bring a list of your current medications, including side effects, and a log of your daily activities to help the judge understand your functional reality. If you have statements from family or former coworkers, these can provide essential context for your limitations. The judge will not give you a decision on the day of the hearing; you will receive a written notice by mail several weeks later.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 7 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 57% to 92% with a median of 77%. While this indicates that outcomes can vary depending on which judge is assigned to your case, random assignment means you cannot choose your judge. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your goal is to build a case that is robust enough to meet the standards of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With an allowance rate of 78%, this office is a favorable venue for claimants, but that rate often masks the complexity of the cases that are denied. When a panel's approval rates vary by 35 points, your file must be strong enough to withstand the scrutiny of the most conservative judge in the building. Focusing on the consistency of your medical evidence remains the most effective way to prepare for your hearing.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the Joseph P Addabbo Federal Building in Jamaica.
Most Favorable Judges
Jamaica, NY
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan Leventer | 84% | 89% | 27,643 | |
| 2 | Margaret L. Pecoraro | 82% | 74% | 24,301 | |
| 3 | Marilyn P. Hoppenfeld | 74% | 63% | 903 | |
| 4 | Jay L. Cohen | 68% | 58% | 10,398 | |
| 5 | Margaret A. Donaghy | 68% | 66% | 11,058 | |
| 6 | Michael D. Cofresi | 67% | 57% | 836 | |
| 7 | Sandra M. McKenna | 66% | 63% | 17,827 | |
| 8 | Robert R. Schriver | 64% | 67% | 17,887 | |
| 9 | Jacqueline Haber Lamkay | 63% | 54% | 3,402 |
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.