Syracuse's 56% allowance rate is typical for a hearing office, meaning your outcome depends on the quality of your medical evidence. With a steady 8-month wait, you have a predictable window to organize your file. Because the panel shows a moderate spread in approval rates, a thorough review of your medical records is the highest-leverage step you can take before your hearing date. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to meet these standards.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your hearing will typically involve an ALJ presiding over your testimony. You should bring updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence for your case. A detailed log of your daily activities and a list of medications with their specific side effects can help the judge understand your limitations. During the proceeding, a vocational expert will often testify regarding whether jobs exist that fit your functional capacity. You will have the opportunity to question this expert to clarify how your specific impairments prevent you from working. A final decision is rarely issued on the spot; you will receive the ruling by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 9 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 44% to 70%. While the median rate of 56% provides a baseline, the variation across the panel means that the judge assigned to your case can influence the tone of your hearing. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential that your file is robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any member of the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 26-point spread between the lowest and highest allowance rates on the panel, your file must be strong enough to withstand scrutiny from any judge. You can identify the specific vocational gaps in your record that the expert witness might exploit during testimony by pressure-testing your evidence before you walk into the hearing room.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the 300 S. State Street location.
Most Favorable Judges
Syracuse, NY
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John M. Lischak | 86% | 73% | 13,426 | |
| 2 | Jeremy G. Eldred | 60% | 60% | 23,869 | |
| 3 | Barry E. Ryan | 60% | 51% | 4,606 | |
| 4 | Jennifer G. Smith | 59% | 66% | 28,141 | |
| 5 | F. P. Flanagan | 59% | 50% | 1,008 | |
| 6 | Anna Wright | 57% | 36% | 4,690 | |
| 7 | Bruce S. Fein | 56% | 60% | 28,916 | |
| 8 | John P. Ramos | 52% | 49% | 25,424 | |
| 9 | Robyn L. Hoffman | 51% | 48% | 16,348 | |
| 10 | Marie Greener | 50% | 43% | 3,989 | |
| 11 | Robert E. Gale | 49% | 42% | 1,806 | |
| 12 | Mary J. Pelton | 48% | 39% | 7,262 | |
| 13 | Gretchen M. Greisler | 47% | 31% | 22,825 | |
| 14 | Kenneth Theurer | 43% | 40% | 30,310 | |
| 15 | Elizabeth W. Koennecke | 41% | 35% | 19,787 |
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.