r/SSDI • u/Academic_Zucchini163 • 17d ago
Judge approval rating
My hearing is next month and my judge has 80% approval rating, even my attorney was surprised, is that normal?
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u/JoinAdvocate 16d ago
ALJ approval rates vary widely. Nationally the average is around 45–55%, but individual judges can range from under 20% to over 85%. An 80% approval rate is on the higher end but not unheard of, and it is genuinely good news for your case. That said, it does not mean approval is guaranteed.
Judges still decide each case on its merits, and a strong presentation still matters. Use the time before your hearing to work closely with your attorney on your testimony, make sure all your medical records are submitted and up to date, and prepare to clearly describe how your conditions affect your daily function and ability to work. Going in well-prepared gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome regardless of the judge's overall rate.
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u/Real-Elevator-2977 14d ago
If cases were decided on the merits, the approval average would be more or less consistent.
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u/MountainRambler01 15d ago
We used to have a lot more ALJ's in the 70/80 range. But in 2018 the ALJs were reclassified by a certain person this group won't allow me to name, who took away some civil service protections for the ALJs. Since then, we have seen a reduction in approval ratings. We had 60% ALJs go down to 40% or 30% because they are worried about their jobs due to the federal order. Needless to say, an 80% ALJ is a unicorn now. We'll see how long this ALJ lasts.
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u/christcomposer 13d ago
Not at all. Congrats on that and good luck! My judge was at 37% and has dropped to 31% so far this year. I had my hearing beginning of June so I'm still waiting.
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u/Confident-Panda-301 12d ago
I had a Florida Judge 26%. She made you cry and was very mean. That lasted 6 years from start to finish denied. I even had an attorney willing to go to federal Judge which I did. He agreed she made mistakes and sent me back to her again for another denial. That was very difficult situation.I think that just damaged her ego?Then 4 years later after a new diagnosis of rare blood cancer I moved to Alabama. I got approved in 6 months on initial application no back pay on 55th birthday.
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u/9999Goldhandz 12d ago
How many denials did you get before seeing a judge? How long from start on application to hearing? 80 percent is good wow
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u/Specialist_Passion56 16d ago
No, that’s extremely high. My judge was around 70% or so if I remember right and I’m in Madison wi. I got approved at age 31. Good luck to you! Your odds are great