How the approval rate is calculated
Approval rate = (fully favorable + partially favorable decisions) ÷ (all decisions: favorable + unfavorable). Dismissals are excluded, because in those cases the judge did not rule on disability (for example, the request was withdrawn or filed late).
A judge's rate describes past decisions on a mix of cases. It does not predict a single case, and claimants cannot choose their judge.
Distribution of judges by approval rate
| Approval rate | Judges | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30% | 35 | |
| 30–40% | 59 | |
| 40–50% | 173 | |
| 50–60% | 236 | |
| 60–70% | 223 | |
| 70–100% | 183 |
Hearing offices ranked by approval rate
Frequently asked questions
What is the average approval rate for Social Security judges?
In FY 2026, administrative law judges approved 58% of the disability cases they decided (fully or partially favorable).
Where does this data come from?
From the ALJ disposition data that SSA publishes for each fiscal year, listing dispositions, allowances, denials and dismissals by judge and hearing office.
Why is my judge not listed?
Judges who joined recently, retired or moved offices may not appear in the latest fiscal year file, or may appear under a different hearing office.