Memphis currently processes hearings in 7 months, moving 1 month faster than the national average of 8 months. With an office-wide allowance rate of 54%, your outcome depends on the quality of your medical evidence. Because the wait time is trending upward, you have a window to organize your records and prepare for the questions an ALJ will ask. 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
Hearings at the Memphis office involve you testifying under oath before an ALJ. You should arrive with updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as these are the most important documents for your case. A vocational expert will often testify regarding whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations. You have the right to question this expert to clarify how your impairments prevent you from performing those roles. Ensure your medication list, daily-activity logs, and any witness statements are submitted well before the deadline. Because the office wait time is rising, use this time to build a comprehensive file that demonstrates your inability to work.
The Judges at This Office
The ALJ panel in Memphis consists of 8 judges with an allowance rate spread ranging from 44% to 72%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides over your hearing.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 28-point gap between the lowest and highest allowance rates on the panel, your preparation must account for the most rigorous standards you might encounter. A focused review of your case now can prevent surprises when you finally sit down for your hearing.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the 309 Monroe Avenue location.
Most Favorable Judges
Memphis, TN
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Larry B. Creson | 81% | 69% | 2,533 | |
| 2 | George W. Jenkins III | 80% | 68% | 20,026 | |
| 3 | Jennifer Mills | 73% | 65% | 26,413 | |
| 4 | Paul M. Stimson | 64% | 54% | 23,849 | |
| 5 | Robert Hodum | 55% | 49% | 30,821 | |
| 6 | Jerry M. Lang | 52% | 53% | 27,721 | |
| 7 | Lyle A. Jones | 51% | 45% | 17,085 | |
| 8 | John A. Peebles | 50% | 49% | 27,629 | |
| 9 | William R. Ingram | 49% | 42% | 3,127 | |
| 10 | David Willis | 48% | 49% | 23,908 | |
| 11 | Carmen Graves | 48% | 41% | 6,009 | |
| 12 | Rosalind Eddins-Hill | 45% | 37% | 23,869 | |
| 13 | Leetra J. Harris | 44% | 37% | 8,751 |
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.