| Office | Judges | Avg. Hearing Wait Time | Average Processing Time | Avg. Dispositions Per Day Per ALJ | Cases Dismissed | Cases Approved | Cases Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 11 | 16 months | 537 days | 1.69 | 15% | 35% | 50% |
| Mars | 11 | 16 months | 552 days | 1.93 | 50% | 46% | 4% |
| Elkins Park | 14 | 18 months | 599 days | 1.97 | 3% | 33% | 64% |
| Wilkes-Barre | 13 | 15 months | 533 days | 1.96 | 19% | 37% | 43% |
| Johnstown | 9 | 16 months | 547 days | 1.36 | 16% | 27% | 56% |
| Harrisburg | 10 | 14 months | 499 days | 2.44 | 12% | 43% | 46% |
| Philadelphia | 12 | 16 months | 538 days | 1.98 | 22% | 40% | 38% |
| Pittsburgh | 10 | 20 months | 662 days | 1.66 | 22% | 34% | 44% |
| All Pennsylvania | 90 | 16 months | 558 days | 1.87 | 20% | 37% | 43% |
If you are thinking about applying for Social Security disability in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania reveals that 43% 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.
Pennsylvania has 8 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, 37% of Pennsylvania disability hearings result in an disability benefits being awarded.
On average, Pennsylvania residents wait 558 days for their hearing before an ALJ. Some Hearing Offices are more favorable than others.
Leave a Reply