Spokane has a 72% allowance rate, which is high for a hearing office. Your wait time is currently 10 months and trending upward. Because judge approval rates at this office range from 50% to 92%, your success depends on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific requirements of your hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 10-month wait, you have time to organize your medical records and ensure your file is complete. During your hearing, the judge will review your medical history and may consult a vocational expert to determine your ability to work. You should submit all updated medical records and daily-activity logs well before the evidence-submission deadline. Because judge allowance rates at this office vary from 50% to 92%, your file must be comprehensive enough to support your claim regardless of which judge is assigned. The judge will not issue a decision at the hearing; you will receive your notice by mail.
The Judges at This Office
The 7 judges at this office have a wide range of allowance rates, from 50% to 92%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge. This variation means you should prepare your case to be as clear and evidence-based as possible to ensure it meets the standards of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When allowance rates across a panel span 42 percentage points, the quality of your documentation becomes the deciding factor in your case. A well-prepared file helps you navigate the different evidentiary preferences of the judges at this office. Focusing on clear, objective medical evidence is the most effective way to build your case.
About This Hearing Office
Use these details for your hearing at Suite 200, 714 N Iron Bridge Way, Spokane, WA 99202-4929.
Most Favorable Judges
Spokane, WA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donna L. Walker | 78% | 90% | 30,190 | |
| 2 | Lori L. Freund | 73% | 78% | 25,220 | |
| 3 | Caroline Siderius | 70% | 75% | 12,620 | |
| 4 | Stewart Stallings | 62% | 68% | 23,761 | |
| 5 | R. J. Payne | 55% | 47% | 12,942 | |
| 6 | Jesse K. Shumway | 51% | 50% | 30,307 | |
| 7 | Marie Palachuk | 48% | 43% | 27,681 |
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.