Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 24 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and they show a moderate spread in approval rates, with a median of 59%. Because outcomes vary between the 45% low and 82% high, the judge you draw can influence the tone of your hearing. Assignment is random and each judge weighs evidence differently, so your case must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henry Oliver | 82% | 1,028 | |
| 2 | James Garrett | 80% | 965 | |
| 3 | Eric Schwarz | 72% | 3,714 | |
| 4 | John F. Gehring | 68% | 1,270 | |
| 5 | Suanne S. Strauss | 67% | 926 | |
| 6 | Craig De Bernardis | 66% | 125 | |
| 7 | Daniel L. Rubini | 66% | 825 | |
| 8 | Jasper J. Bede | 61% | 962 | |
| 9 | Sandra Morales Price | 60% | 2,955 | |
| 10 | Stuart Gauffreau | 60% | 3,766 | |
| 11 | Brady Carter | 60% | 1,291 | |
| 12 | Deborah Mande | 59% | 1,558 | |
| 13 | Vivian McAneney | 58% | 2,660 | |
| 14 | Elana Hollo | 57% | 3,409 | |
| 15 | George C. Yatron | 54% | 2,402 | |
| 16 | Marc Silverman | 53% | 2,798 | |
| 17 | Luke Woltering | 51% | 3,749 | |
| 18 | Jennifer M. Lash | 51% | 3,153 | |
| 19 | Kathleen McDade | 51% | 2,734 | |
| 20 | Margaret M. Gabell | 50% | 3,713 | |
| 21 | Jennifer Spector | 50% | 3,787 | |
| 22 | Anne W. Chain | 49% | 880 | |
| 23 | Ryan Hoback | 48% | 1,580 | |
| 24 | Jay Marku | 45% | 1,757 |
How long you'll wait
At Elkins Park, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 months— versus a national average of 8.2 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Going to your hearing
Your hearing is your opportunity to present evidence that was overlooked during your initial denial. You should bring an updated list of all medications and their side effects, along with a daily-activity log that details your physical or mental limitations. The hearing typically lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside and a Vocational Expert will often testify about available work. Because the panel shows a moderate spread in approval rates, your file must be complete before the evidence-submission deadline. Ensure your doctor has provided a clear statement on your functional capacity, as this is often the deciding factor in whether you receive benefits. A decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
With a panel approval spread of 37 points, the judge you draw sets the bar for your evidence. You can anticipate the specific questions a judge might ask based on your medical history to build a file that meets the evidentiary standards of the bench.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Elkins Park, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. SSA's published service areas route these offices' appeals here. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months, which is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you track your case status as your hearing date approaches.
Cases are assigned randomly to the 24 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to have a well-documented file that addresses all potential vocational issues. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot request a different judge. If you have concerns about a potential conflict of interest, you should discuss them with an attorney immediately to determine if a formal objection is appropriate.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the moderate approval spread of this panel and ensure your medical evidence is properly formatted for the Social Security Administration.
