Understanding Disability in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska has a disability rate of 13.5%, which is 0.5 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 107,457, 14,521 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 6,802 residents (6.8% of the population).
The median household income is $90,625, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.4%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, affecting 6,802 residents (6.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 4,940 | 4.6% |
| Vision difficulty | 2,464 | 2.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 5,471 | 5.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 6,802 | 6.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 2,750 | 2.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 4,482 | 5.7% |
Need Help Filing in Alaska?
- Average wait time: 352 days
- Initial approval rate: 65%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 48.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,190 | 5.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,996 | 8.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 6,265 | 15.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,873 | 28.4% |
| 75 and over | 2,142 | 48.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 7,743 | 14.1% |
| Female | 6,778 | 12.9% |
Males in Matanuska-Susitna Borough have a higher disability rate (14.1%) compared to females (12.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 11,622 | 13.7% |
| Black or African American | 214 | 18.4% |
| Asian | 177 | 9.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 666 | 12.0% |
Income & Poverty in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
The median household income in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is $90,625, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.4%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.5%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Alaska
Matanuska-Susitna Borough residents apply for SSDI through the Alaska Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Alaska Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 65% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 17% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 55% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 352 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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 Alaska, where only 65% 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 Alaska is 352 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 35% denial rate in Alaska, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 55% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 13.5% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Matanuska-Susitna Borough has at least one disability, totaling 14,521 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Matanuska-Susitna Borough residents?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough residents apply through Alaska's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 65%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 55%. Average processing takes 352 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Alaska?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Alaska is 352 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Alaska, 55% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
The median household income in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is $90,625, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Matanuska-Susitna 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough 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