The 9-month wait time in Milwaukee is slightly longer than the national average of 8 months, giving you extra time to build a robust file. With a 50% allowance rate, your outcome depends on the quality of your medical documentation. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to ensure you are ready for your hearing date.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
The 9-month wait at the Milwaukee office provides an opportunity to refine your medical record before you appear before an ALJ. Your goal is to submit updated records that highlight your ongoing limitations. During your hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform specific jobs. You should arrive with a detailed log of your daily activities and a list of medication side effects to address any testimony regarding your ability to work. The judge will weigh this evidence against your medical history to determine your eligibility. The initial-decision allowance rate in Wisconsin is 35.5%, which is a different stage of the process than your upcoming hearing.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 6 judges at this office is consistent, with allowance rates clustering between 46% and 56%. Because the judges operate within this narrow band, you can expect a similar standard of review regardless of which judge is assigned to your case. This stability means your outcome is driven by the strength of your evidence.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 9-month wait between your appeal and your hearing, you have time to ensure your file is complete. You can use this period to bridge the gap between your medical records and the specific criteria the ALJ uses to evaluate disability. By anticipating the questions a vocational expert will raise, you can prepare for the hearing process.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for the day of your hearing at the Milwaukee office, located at Room 300W, 310 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
Most Favorable Judges
Milwaukee, WI
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick J. Toal | 56% | 48% | 3,773 | |
| 2 | Patrick Berigan | 54% | 46% | 15,504 | |
| 3 | Nicholas J. Schwalbach | 53% | 48% | 7,414 | |
| 4 | William Shenkenberg | 52% | 52% | 25,005 | |
| 5 | Arman Rouf | 49% | 33% | 23,593 | |
| 6 | Brent C. Bedwell | 47% | 43% | 28,855 | |
| 7 | Margaret J. O'Grady | 43% | 42% | 24,429 | |
| 8 | Dean Syrjanen | 42% | 35% | 17,422 | |
| 9 | Timothy J. Malloy | 38% | 32% | 15,359 | |
| 10 | Robert L. Bartelt Jr. | 34% | 29% | 1,039 | |
| 11 | Jeffry Gauthier | 28% | 24% | 9,047 | |
| 12 | Wayne L. Ritter | 27% | 23% | 15,682 |
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.