Akron's 7-month wait time is faster than the national average of 8 months, giving you a predictable window to finalize your medical evidence. With an office-wide allowance rate of 55%, your outcome depends on the quality of the documentation you present. Because the panel of 8 judges shows variation in their approval patterns, an attorney can help you prepare your file to ensure your limitations are clearly understood.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for legal representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at the Akron office involve an ALJ reviewing your claim and hearing testimony. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of medications including their side effects. A vocational expert is often present to testify about your ability to perform work; you or your representative may question them regarding how your specific physical or mental limitations impact your employability. Because evidence submission deadlines are strictly enforced, you must ensure all relevant documentation is filed well before your hearing date. The final decision is rarely delivered in the room, arriving instead by mail several weeks later.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 8 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 46% to 72% with a median of 59%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence according to their own judicial discretion. This variation means your file must be robust enough to withstand scrutiny regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 7-month wait time, you have a defined window to build a case that addresses the specific concerns of the Akron panel. When allowance rates vary across the judges, your file must be prepared to meet a high standard of evidence. Focusing on clear, objective medical documentation remains the most reliable way to support your claim.
About This Hearing Office
With 3,439 dispositions in the latest reporting period, this office maintains a steady workflow. Keep these location details and contact numbers handy as you finalize your hearing preparations.
Most Favorable Judges
Akron, OH
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas A. Ciccolini | 80% | 68% | 21,063 | |
| 2 | Mary Lohr | 60% | 52% | 27,807 | |
| 3 | Charles Shinn | 58% | 64% | 34,995 | |
| 4 | Michael N. Balter | 56% | 49% | 25,449 | |
| 5 | Susan Smoot | 56% | 48% | 22,145 | |
| 6 | Reuben Sheperd | 53% | 45% | 22,445 | |
| 7 | Paula J. Goodrich | 53% | 45% | 19,423 | |
| 8 | Sharlee Cendrosky | 52% | 40% | 4,363 | |
| 9 | Barbara Sheehe | 52% | 44% | 1,089 | |
| 10 | Amanda Knapp | 47% | 40% | 6,843 | |
| 11 | Michael F. Schmitz | 47% | 42% | 26,663 | |
| 12 | Gregory M. Beatty | 44% | 43% | 30,862 | |
| 13 | Jason Panek | 43% | 40% | 20,178 |
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.