Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Philadelphia. Among those with at least 30 decisions on record since 2016, approval rates range from 42% to 78%, with a median of 64%. Because outcomes vary across this range, the judge assigned to your case may influence the tone of your hearing. However, assignment is random, and each judge weighs evidence differently, so your best strategy is to build a file that is robust enough to stand up to any scrutiny.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan L. Wesner | 78% | 1,066 | |
| 2 | John M. Fitzpatrick | 73% | 180 | |
| 3 | Eric W. Borda | 69% | 3,661 | |
| 4 | Jon C. Lyons | 69% | 1,865 | |
| 5 | Joseph M. Hillegas | 68% | 469 | |
| 6 | Janice C. Volkman | 66% | 188 | |
| 7 | Richard A. Kelly | 64% | 323 | |
| 8 | Raina Goods | 62% | 1,056 | |
| 9 | Regina L. Warren | 51% | 2,730 | |
| 10 | Christine McCafferty | 49% | 2,807 | |
| 11 | Owen B. Katzman | 49% | 268 | |
| 12 | Nadine Overton | 47% | 332 | |
| 13 | Robert J. Ryan | 46% | 3,103 | |
| 14 | Jessica Marie Johnson | 42% | 2,228 |
How long you'll wait
At Philadelphia, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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 will likely last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will review your claim and hear testimony. Because the wait time in Philadelphia is 9 months, you have a runway to update your medical records and ensure your file is complete. Bring a current list of all medications, including side effects, and a daily-activity log that illustrates your physical or mental limitations. A Vocational Expert will often testify about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific restrictions. Evidence submission deadlines are strict; ensure all new medical reports are filed well before your hearing date. A decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
With a 9-month wait and a panel that shows meaningful variation in approval rates, the Philadelphia hearing stage requires careful preparation. When a judge's decision can hinge on a single piece of medical evidence or a specific vocational limitation, your file must be complete before you enter the room. Focusing on objective medical documentation remains the most reliable way to address the variation in approval rates across the panel.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Philadelphia, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This duration has been trending upward, which provides additional time to strengthen your medical evidence. An attorney can help you ensure your file is ready for the hearing date.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Philadelphia. Because there is a moderate spread in approval rates across the panel, your preparation should focus on building a strong, objective case regardless of which judge is assigned. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively to any judge.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. If you have concerns about a specific assignment, discuss them with an attorney who can evaluate if there are valid legal grounds to address the issue.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing is a complex legal proceeding where your testimony and the vocational expert's testimony are critical. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is presented effectively and prepare you for the hearing.
