At 65%, the Greenville office maintains an allowance rate higher than the national average, signaling a favorable environment for well-documented claims. With a steady 7-month wait time, you have a predictable window to organize your medical records. Because the panel of judges shows a moderate spread in their approval rates, your success depends on building a file that addresses the specific vocational concerns an ALJ will weigh. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to meet these standards.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Greenville move at a steady pace, giving you a 7-month window to ensure your medical evidence is ironclad. You must submit all updated records well before the hearing, as last-minute additions are restricted. During your session, an ALJ will preside while a vocational expert typically testifies about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific functional limitations. You should be prepared to discuss your daily-activity log and any side effects from your medications. A final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 13 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in their decision-making, with allowance rates ranging from 50% to 77%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who sits on the bench.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Even at an office like Greenville where the 65% allowance rate is relatively high, the cases that fail often do so because they did not anticipate the specific questions a vocational expert would raise. An attorney uses the 7-month wait time to pressure-test your file against these common hurdles. This preparation ensures your evidence is ready before your hearing date.
About This Hearing Office
With 2,671 dispositions processed in the latest period, this office is a high-volume site; keep these location details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Mauldin, SC
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarah B. Stewart | 75% | 64% | 4,687 | |
| 2 | Amanda Craven | 70% | 64% | 20,623 | |
| 3 | Ann G. Paschall | 65% | 57% | 29,321 | |
| 4 | Nicholas Walter | 63% | 33% | 21,782 | |
| 5 | Thaddeus J. Hess | 62% | 56% | 29,949 | |
| 6 | James M. Martin | 60% | 54% | 22,090 | |
| 7 | Alice Jordan | 55% | 40% | 20,870 | |
| 8 | J. Petri | 53% | 53% | 24,944 | |
| 9 | Colin Fritz | 52% | 51% | 18,818 | |
| 10 | James Cumbie | 51% | 68% | 19,665 | |
| 11 | Jerry W. Peace | 44% | 45% | 22,634 | |
| 12 | Gregory M. Wilson | 35% | 30% | 15,530 |
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.