Types of Disabilities in Bethel
Hearing difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Bethel, affecting 244 residents (4.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 244 | 4.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 107 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 154 | 2.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 169 | 3.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 107 | 2.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 133 | 3.2% |
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- Average wait time: 352 days
- Initial approval rate: 65%
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Disability by Age Group
In Bethel, 36.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 54 | 4.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 28 | 1.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 253 | 11.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 156 | 46.6% |
| 75 and over | 51 | 36.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 322 | 9.9% |
| Female | 220 | 7.9% |
Men in Bethel have a higher disability rate (9.9%) compared to women (7.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 144 | 13.7% |
| Black or African American | 10 | 6.9% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | 0.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Bethel's median household income of $109,718 is above the county median ($100,513) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 9.0%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Bethel
Bethel residents in Juneau City and Borough apply for SSDI through Alaska's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 65% |
| Hearing approval rate | 55% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 352 days |
With an initial approval rate of 65% in Alaska and an average wait of 352 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Alaska disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Bethel
If you live in Bethel and believe you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:
Online
Apply at ssa.gov/applyfordisability - available 24/7.
By Phone
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday-Friday, 8 AM-7 PM.
In Person
Visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest at secure.ssa.gov/ICON.
If you think you might qualify for benefits, working with a disability advocate can really help your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people in Bethel have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 542 residents of Bethel, Alaska have at least one disability, representing 9.0% of the population of 6,041.
What is the most common disability type in Bethel?
The most common type is hearing difficulty, affecting 244 residents (4.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Alaska?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Alaska is approximately 65%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 55%. Average processing time is 352 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Bethel?
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Many applicants benefit from working with a disability lawyer.
What is the median income in Bethel?
The median household income in Bethel is $109,718.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Juneau City and Borough.
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.
Sources & Methodology
All data for Bethel 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