Understanding Disability in Cherokee County
Cherokee County in Alabama has a disability rate of 19.6%, which is 6.6 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 24,948, 4,887 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Cherokee County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 2,872 residents (12.1% of the population).
The median household income is $50,769, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Cherokee County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Cherokee County, affecting 2,872 residents (12.1% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,424 | 5.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,135 | 4.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,699 | 7.1% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,872 | 12.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 991 | 4.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,054 | 10.2% |
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- Average wait time: 305 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
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Disability by Age Group
In Cherokee County, 46.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 287 | 8.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 420 | 9.5% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,202 | 22.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 934 | 25.8% |
| 75 and over | 1,044 | 46.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,400 | 19.5% |
| Female | 2,487 | 19.6% |
Females in Cherokee County have a higher disability rate (19.6%) compared to males (19.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Cherokee County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,452 | 19.5% |
| Black or African American | 241 | 27.7% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | 0.0% |
Income & Poverty in Cherokee County
The median household income in Cherokee County is $50,769, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.6%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 1.7%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Alabama
Cherokee County residents apply for SSDI through the Alabama Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Alabama Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 34% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 16% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 57% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 305 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Cherokee County
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits and have a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity. In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is critical. In Alabama, where only 34% of initial claims are approved, thorough evidence makes the difference.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The average processing time in Alabama is 305 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 66% denial rate in Alabama, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 57% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Cherokee County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 19.6% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Cherokee County has at least one disability, totaling 4,887 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Cherokee County residents?
Cherokee County residents apply through Alabama's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 34%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 57%. Average processing takes 305 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Alabama?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Alabama is 305 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Cherokee County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Alabama, 57% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County is $50,769, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Cherokee County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Cherokee County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Cherokee County is compiled from official government sources.
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810 (Disability Characteristics), 2023
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03 (Selected Economic Characteristics), 2023
- Social Security Administration - SSI Recipients by State and County, 2024
- Social Security Administration - SSDI approval and processing data, Fiscal Year 2024