With an allowance rate of 54%, your outcome in Salt Lake City is typical for a hearing office. Because the panel's allowance rates range from 28% to 84%, your success depends on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you evaluate your file against the specific standards of the judges on this panel.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
The 8-month wait for a hearing in Salt Lake City provides a window to build a robust medical record. You should gather updated treatment notes, a log of your daily limitations, and statements from those who witness your struggles. During your hearing, an Administrative Law Judge will preside while a vocational expert often testifies about jobs that might fit your restrictions. You have the opportunity to cross-examine this expert, which is often a turning point for a claim. Because the panel here is diverse in its decision-making, your evidence must be comprehensive enough to stand up to any judge. Ensure all documents are submitted well before the deadline.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 6 judges at this office shows a wide spread in allowance rates, with outcomes ranging from 28% to 84%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be prepared to meet a high standard of proof, regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span a wide range, your file must be strong enough that it remains persuasive regardless of the judge's individual tendencies. Many people wait months for their hearing date only to arrive with gaps in their medical history that could have been identified and filled earlier. Preparing a case that addresses the specific requirements of the hearing stage helps you navigate the diverse decision-making styles found within this office.
About This Hearing Office
With 2,377 cases disposed of in the last reporting period, this office is a busy hub. Keep these location details and hours handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Salt Lake City, UT
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M. Thayne Warner | 85% | 76% | 5,076 | |
| 2 | Kathleen H. Switzer | 77% | 65% | 10,046 | |
| 3 | Denzel R. Busick | 72% | 61% | 28,574 | |
| 4 | Donald R. Jensen | 68% | 58% | 945 | |
| 5 | J. Doug Wolfe | 68% | 61% | 28,209 | |
| 6 | Preston L. Mitchell | 51% | 45% | 24,673 | |
| 7 | Gilbert A. Martinez | 43% | 37% | 10,478 | |
| 8 | David W. Thompson | 36% | 36% | 30,271 | |
| 9 | Gerald R. Bruce | 28% | 22% | 26,697 |
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.