With an allowance-rate spread across the panel ranging from 22% to 63%, which judge you draw in Pittsburgh matters significantly to your outcome. Because the office's 48% allowance rate is typical for the Social Security Administration, your success depends on the quality of the evidence you present. An attorney can help you build a file that stands up to the scrutiny of any judge.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8-month wait, you have a steady runway to ensure your medical records are complete and up to date. During your hearing, an Administrative Law Judge will preside and a vocational expert will often testify about the types of jobs available given your specific limitations. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of your current medications and their side effects. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so ensure all documentation is filed well before your date. After the hearing, the judge will mail a decision.
The Judges at This Office
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, with allowance rates spanning from 22% to 63%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to succeed regardless of who is presiding.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span such a wide range, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants assume the hearing is a simple conversation, but the vocational expert's testimony often creates traps for the unprepared. An attorney who understands the Pittsburgh panel can pressure-test your file against these specific challenges before you walk into the room.
About This Hearing Office
Here are the essential details for the Pittsburgh office, including the address and phone number you will need for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Pittsburgh, PA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alma S. de Leon | 75% | 64% | 11,063 | |
| 2 | David J. Kozma | 69% | 59% | 900 | |
| 3 | Michael F. Colligan | 64% | 54% | 2,186 | |
| 4 | John J. Porter | 57% | 48% | 23,207 | |
| 5 | Sarah Ehasz | 56% | 47% | 24,498 | |
| 6 | Joanna Papazekos | 56% | 55% | 24,112 | |
| 7 | William E. Kenworthy | 55% | 47% | 7,640 | |
| 8 | David F. Brash | 47% | 40% | 15,558 | |
| 9 | Christian Bareford | 46% | 39% | 24,532 | |
| 10 | Paul Kovac | 44% | 48% | 17,429 | |
| 11 | Michael S. Kaczmarek | 42% | 35% | 18,260 | |
| 12 | Julianne Hostovich | 41% | 47% | 20,315 | |
| 13 | Leslie Perry-Dowdell | 28% | 14% | 26,034 |
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.