Disability Statistics by State

Pick your state to see disability numbers, approval rates, wait times, and what resources are available near you.

Alabama 807,069 disabled 16.2% rate 34% approval Alaska 92,451 disabled 13.1% rate 65% approval Arizona 970,404 disabled 13.6% rate 36% approval Arkansas 528,995 disabled 17.8% rate 38% approval California 4,364,431 disabled 11.3% rate 37% approval Colorado 638,686 disabled 11.2% rate 37% approval Connecticut 429,568 disabled 12.1% rate 45% approval Delaware 137,738 disabled 13.9% rate 37% approval District of Columbia 72,611 disabled 11.0% rate 30% approval Florida 2,924,178 disabled 13.5% rate 40% approval Georgia 1,375,224 disabled 12.9% rate 36% approval Hawaii 173,766 disabled 12.5% rate 39% approval Idaho 257,204 disabled 13.8% rate 44% approval Illinois 1,482,931 disabled 11.8% rate 40% approval Indiana 927,862 disabled 13.8% rate 35% approval Iowa 390,431 disabled 12.4% rate 44% approval Kansas 386,716 disabled 13.4% rate 53% approval Kentucky 784,920 disabled 17.7% rate 34% approval Louisiana 729,316 disabled 16.1% rate 38% approval Maine 212,043 disabled 15.6% rate 42% approval Maryland 690,463 disabled 11.4% rate 45% approval Massachusetts 835,832 disabled 12.1% rate 45% approval Michigan 1,414,434 disabled 14.2% rate 41% approval Minnesota 642,876 disabled 11.4% rate 45% approval Mississippi 500,688 disabled 17.4% rate 34% approval Missouri 886,543 disabled 14.6% rate 42% approval Montana 156,093 disabled 14.3% rate 47% approval Nebraska 235,106 disabled 12.1% rate 49% approval Nevada 416,368 disabled 13.4% rate 40% approval New Hampshire 178,623 disabled 13.0% rate 51% approval New Jersey 975,308 disabled 10.6% rate 42% approval New Mexico 346,122 disabled 16.7% rate 34% approval New York 2,394,964 disabled 12.2% rate 40% approval North Carolina 1,386,506 disabled 13.4% rate 37% approval North Dakota 89,750 disabled 11.8% rate 43% approval Ohio 1,646,041 disabled 14.2% rate 39% approval Oklahoma 656,264 disabled 16.8% rate 31% approval Oregon 635,797 disabled 15.1% rate 44% approval Pennsylvania 1,820,613 disabled 14.2% rate 39% approval Rhode Island 146,643 disabled 13.6% rate 46% approval South Carolina 738,495 disabled 14.4% rate 43% approval South Dakota 106,698 disabled 12.1% rate 41% approval Tennessee 1,034,275 disabled 15.0% rate 40% approval Texas 3,491,298 disabled 12.0% rate 35% approval Utah 339,979 disabled 10.3% rate 41% approval Vermont 92,624 disabled 14.5% rate 46% approval Virginia 1,032,353 disabled 12.2% rate 42% approval Washington 1,010,563 disabled 13.3% rate 41% approval West Virginia 334,044 disabled 19.1% rate 34% approval Wisconsin 701,774 disabled 12.0% rate 44% approval Wyoming 79,382 disabled 13.9% rate 44% approval

Understanding Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two main federal programs that provide financial assistance to Americans with disabilities. SSDI is for workers who have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes, while SSI is a needs-based program for low-income people with limited work history.

As of 2024, approximately 42.7 million Americans - 13.0% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population - report at least one disability. Disability rates vary dramatically by state, ranging from under 10% in states like Utah and Colorado to over 19% in West Virginia.

The most common disability types nationally are ambulatory (mobility) difficulty and cognitive difficulty. Disability rates increase sharply with age: while around 5-8% of children have a disability, more than 45% of Americans age 75 and older report at least one disability.

The SSDI Application Process

Applying for SSDI involves multiple stages, and understanding the process is crucial to maximizing your chances of approval. The typical timeline includes:

1. Initial Application

You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. You'll need medical records, work history, and personal information. Nationally, only about 38% of initial applications are approved, and processing takes an average of 227 days.

2. Reconsideration

If denied, your first appeal is reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your case. The approval rate at this stage is only about 14% nationally, but it's a necessary step before requesting a hearing.

3. Hearing Before an ALJ

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many claims are won - the national hearing approval rate is approximately 54-58%. Having legal representation at this stage significantly improves your odds.

4. Appeals Council & Federal Court

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council and ultimately to federal court. These stages are less common but remain options for claimants with strong cases.

Why Hire a Disability Advocate?

Navigating the SSDI application process alone can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with a disability. Here's why working with a disability advocate or attorney makes a difference:

Higher Approval Rates: Claimants represented by an attorney at the hearing level are approved at significantly higher rates than those who represent themselves. Attorneys understand what evidence ALJs look for and how to present your case effectively.

No Upfront Cost: Disability attorneys work on contingency - they only get paid if you win. The fee is typically 25% of your back-pay, capped at $7,200. If you don't win, you don't pay.

Expert Medical Evidence Gathering: An experienced advocate knows which medical records, doctor statements, and functional assessments are most persuasive. They can help identify gaps in your evidence before they become reasons for denial.

Faster Processing: Experienced representatives know how to deal with the system efficiently, potentially avoiding delays from incomplete paperwork or procedural errors.

See If You Qualify →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for workers who have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes and have enough work credits. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for disabled people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. You may qualify for one or both programs.

What is the national SSDI approval rate?

The national initial SSDI approval rate is approximately 38%. This means roughly 62% of first-time applicants are denied. However, approval rates vary significantly by state - from as low as 27% to as high as 65% for initial claims. At the hearing level, the national approval rate is 54-58%.

How long does the SSDI process take?

The average initial SSDI processing time is approximately 227 days nationally, but varies widely by state (from about 120 days to over 450 days). If you need to appeal to a hearing, the total process can take 1-3 years depending on your location.

How many Americans have a disability?

According to the 2023 American Community Survey, approximately 42.7 million Americans (13.0% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population) report at least one disability. This includes hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and independent living difficulties.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSDI?

While you can apply on your own, statistics show that represented claimants are approved at higher rates, especially at the hearing level. Disability lawyers work on contingency (no upfront cost - they only get paid if you win), making it accessible to anyone. A free case evaluation can help you understand your options.

Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits

Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI. It takes about 2 minutes and it is completely free.