Understanding Disability in Ashley County
Ashley County in Arkansas has a disability rate of 23.2%, which is 10.2 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 18,538, 4,310 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Ashley County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 2,498 residents (14.4% of the population).
The median household income is $44,481, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.0%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Ashley County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Ashley County, affecting 2,498 residents (14.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,298 | 7.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 887 | 4.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,897 | 10.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,498 | 14.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 898 | 5.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,566 | 10.9% |
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- Average wait time: 176 days
- Initial approval rate: 38%
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Disability by Age Group
In Ashley County, 54.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 11.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 341 | 11.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 445 | 12.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,651 | 24.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 957 | 42.6% |
| 75 and over | 916 | 54.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,827 | 20.9% |
| Female | 2,483 | 25.4% |
Females in Ashley County have a higher disability rate (25.4%) compared to males (20.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Ashley County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,063 | 23.6% |
| Black or African American | 958 | 20.9% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 133 | 11.5% |
Income & Poverty in Ashley County
The median household income in Ashley County is $44,481, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.0%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.8%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Arkansas
Ashley County residents apply for SSDI through the Arkansas Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Arkansas Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 38% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 15% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 49% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 176 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Ashley 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 Arkansas, where only 38% 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 Arkansas is 176 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 62% denial rate in Arkansas, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 49% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Ashley County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 23.2% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Ashley County has at least one disability, totaling 4,310 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Ashley County residents?
Ashley County residents apply through Arkansas's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 38%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 49%. Average processing takes 176 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Arkansas?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Arkansas is 176 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Ashley County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Arkansas, 49% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Ashley County?
The median household income in Ashley County is $44,481, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Ashley County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Ashley County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Ashley 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