| Office | Judges | Avg. Hearing Wait Time | Average Processing Time | Avg. Dispositions Per Day Per ALJ | Cases Dismissed | Cases Approved | Cases Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | 13 | 14 months | 463 days | 1.84 | 15% | 46% | 39% |
| Boston | 13 | 8 months | 308 days | 1.60 | 24% | 23% | 54% |
| Springfield | 4 | 13 months | 417 days | 1.91 | 14% | 47% | 39% |
| All Massachusetts | 30 | 12 months | 396 days | 1.78 | 18% | 39% | 44% |
If you are thinking about applying for Social Security disability in Massachusetts, then you should weigh the benefits of hiring an attorney. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can significantly improve the odds that your case will be approved.
Social Security data from Massachusetts reveals that 44% of the Social Security disability claims are denied on average. Of course, most applicants that have been denied on their first attempt appeal the decision. However, the chances of approval are even worse in the first phase of the appeals process, which is formally known as reconsideration.
The vast majority of claimants will have to wait until their hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) to have a significant chance of approval.
Massachusetts has 3 Hearing Offices where you can go to have your case heard by an ALJ. They are listed in the above table.
Most successful Social Security disability claims are approved during the hearing, largely because the ALJs have more leeway in the way they handle claims and can actually see and hear you while you present evidence of your disability.
Overall, 39% of Massachusetts disability hearings result in an disability benefits being awarded.
On average, Massachusetts residents wait 396 days for their hearing before an ALJ. Some Hearing Offices are more favorable than others.
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