With a 10-month wait that is currently trending upward, you have a significant runway to organize your medical evidence before your SSDI hearing. The office maintains a 55% allowance rate, which sits near the national average. Use this time to build a robust file that clearly defines your functional limitations for the ALJ. An attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 10-month wait, you have a valuable opportunity to ensure your medical records are current and comprehensive. Your hearing will typically involve an ALJ and a vocational expert who will testify regarding your ability to perform specific jobs. You must submit all new evidence well before the hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. Bring your identification and a clear, updated list of your medications and their side effects. You should also be prepared to discuss your daily-activity log, as this helps the judge understand your real-world limitations. Because the panel features a moderate spread in allowance rates, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
The Judges at This Office
The ALJ panel in Philadelphia shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 44% to 69%. While the median rate of 60% suggests a consistent baseline, the variation means that which judge you draw can influence the nuances of your hearing. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs evidence differently, so your preparation must focus on creating a record that is clear and persuasive to any member of the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
A 10-month wait is time you can use to pressure-test your file against the vocational expert's likely testimony. When a panel's allowance rates span 25 points, your documentation must be precise enough to leave little room for subjective interpretation. Focusing on objective medical findings helps ensure your case remains consistent regardless of the specific judge assigned.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day; the office is located on the 21st floor of 1601 Market Street.
Most Favorable Judges
Philadelphia, PA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan L. Wesner | 77% | 65% | 10,098 | |
| 2 | John M. Fitzpatrick | 74% | 63% | 1,780 | |
| 3 | Eric W. Borda | 70% | 65% | 27,040 | |
| 4 | Jon C. Lyons | 70% | 60% | 14,543 | |
| 5 | Janice C. Volkman | 67% | 57% | 1,976 | |
| 6 | Joseph M. Hillegas | 66% | 56% | 3,676 | |
| 7 | Richard A. Kelly | 63% | 54% | 2,923 | |
| 8 | Regina L. Warren | 51% | 54% | 22,831 | |
| 9 | Christine McCafferty | 49% | 49% | 26,082 | |
| 10 | Owen B. Katzman | 48% | 41% | 2,526 | |
| 11 | Nadine Overton | 48% | 41% | 3,539 | |
| 12 | Robert J. Ryan | 45% | 37% | 21,933 | |
| 13 | Jessica M. Johnson | 41% | 30% | 15,145 |
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.