At 7 months, the wait for a hearing in Cincinnati is one month faster than the national average. With a 56% allowance rate, this office aligns with typical national outcomes. Because the panel features a moderate spread in approval rates, your success depends on building a medical record that is robust enough to satisfy any judge on the bench. An attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at the John W. Peck Federal Building move at a steady pace, so you should prioritize organizing your medical evidence immediately. You will typically spend time in the hearing room where an ALJ will review your file and a vocational expert will testify regarding your ability to perform specific jobs. Bring updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of your current medications with their side effects. Because the SSA enforces strict deadlines for submitting new evidence, ensure your file is complete well before your date. A well-documented case is your best defense against the uncertainty of the hearing process. You will receive the judge's decision by mail after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The 7 judges at this office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 42% to 78%. While the median rate of 57% suggests a balanced approach, the variation means that which judge you draw can influence the outcome of your case. Because cases are assigned randomly, you should prepare for the possibility of drawing a judge with a stricter approach to evidence.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office come up quickly, leaving little room for last-minute evidence gathering once your date is set. While the 56% allowance rate is standard, you are more likely to successfully navigate the vocational expert's testimony and the judge's questioning when you have professional support. Identifying gaps in your medical record early is essential to strengthening your claim.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the federal building in downtown Cincinnati.
Most Favorable Judges
Cincinnati, OH
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kenneth Wilson | 77% | 65% | 7,927 | |
| 2 | John M. Prince | 73% | 78% | 24,817 | |
| 3 | Kristen King | 65% | 55% | 13,542 | |
| 4 | Cristen Meadows | 62% | 65% | 21,237 | |
| 5 | Billy Thomas | 58% | 49% | 2,201 | |
| 6 | Peter J. Boylan | 56% | 48% | 22,281 | |
| 7 | Anne Shaughnessy | 53% | 50% | 27,074 | |
| 8 | Jessica Hodgson | 52% | 35% | 18,433 | |
| 9 | Andrew Gollin | 52% | 44% | 3,167 | |
| 10 | Lloyd Hubler | 50% | 55% | 6,851 | |
| 11 | Christopher S. Tindale | 46% | 45% | 24,012 | |
| 12 | Lloyd E. Hubler III | 45% | 38% | 16,891 | |
| 13 | Thuy-Anh T. Nguyen | 37% | 39% | 23,389 | |
| 14 | Renita K. Bivins | 32% | 27% | 14,157 |
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.