At 6 months, the wait for a hearing at Houston North is faster than the 8-month national average, giving you less time to finalize your evidence. With an office-wide allowance rate of 57%, your success depends on how well you document your limitations. Because the panel of 9 judges shows a moderate spread in approval rates, having a clear, evidence-backed strategy is the most effective way to prepare for your day in court. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare for your hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing date.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at Houston North move faster than at many other locations, so you must submit your updated medical records well before the deadline. You will likely spend time before an ALJ, who will weigh your testimony against the reports of a Vocational Expert. This expert will testify about whether jobs exist that accommodate your specific physical or mental limits. To prepare, organize your medication list, a log of your daily activities, and any new statements from your doctors. The Social Security Administration will mail the final decision weeks after the hearing concludes. Your goal is to ensure the record reflects your reality before you walk into the room.
The Judges at This Office
The 9 judges at this office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 42% to 73%. 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 is presiding.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at Houston North come up quickly, leaving little room for error once your date is set. Identifying gaps in your medical record and preparing for the specific questions a Vocational Expert might ask about your ability to work is essential. Claimants who arrive with a well-organized file are better positioned to address the judge's concerns directly.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these office details handy for your hearing day, including the address on Aldine Bender Road and the office hours.
Most Favorable Judges
Houston, TX
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David R. Gutierrez | 62% | 66% | 35,203 | |
| 2 | Harry L. Williams Jr. | 61% | 55% | 16,463 | |
| 3 | D'Lisa Simmons | 54% | 68% | 33,243 | |
| 4 | William B. Howard | 50% | 55% | 30,084 | |
| 5 | David J. Hebert | 48% | 43% | 27,889 | |
| 6 | Gerald L. Meyer | 46% | 51% | 33,503 | |
| 7 | Thomas J. Helget | 43% | 47% | 37,225 | |
| 8 | Ross Stubblefield | 43% | 44% | 38,023 | |
| 9 | Patricia C. Henry | 41% | 35% | 5,749 | |
| 10 | William Sharp | 35% | 36% | 29,346 | |
| 11 | Daniel E. Whitney | 34% | 29% | 30,170 |
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.