Types of Disabilities in Helena-West Helena
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Helena-West Helena, affecting 1,269 residents (14.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 411 | 4.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 444 | 4.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 748 | 8.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,269 | 14.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 620 | 7.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 954 | 14.8% |
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- Average wait time: 176 days
- Initial approval rate: 38%
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Disability by Age Group
In Helena-West Helena, 71.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 16.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 347 | 16.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 131 | 8.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 958 | 30.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 249 | 25.0% |
| 75 and over | 490 | 71.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,056 | 25.5% |
| Female | 1,119 | 22.8% |
Men in Helena-West Helena have a higher disability rate (25.5%) compared to women (22.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 405 | 21.4% |
| Black or African American | 1,724 | 25.6% |
| 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
Helena-West Helena's median household income of $32,466 is below the county median ($39,565) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 32.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Helena-West Helena
Helena-West Helena residents in Bradley County apply for SSDI through Arkansas's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 38% |
| Hearing approval rate | 49% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 176 days |
With an initial approval rate of 38% in Arkansas and an average wait of 176 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Arkansas disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Helena-West Helena
If you live in Helena-West Helena 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 Helena-West Helena have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,175 residents of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas have at least one disability, representing 24.0% of the population of 9,045.
What is the most common disability type in Helena-West Helena?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,269 residents (14.9%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Arkansas?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Arkansas is approximately 38%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 49%. Average processing time is 176 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Helena-West Helena?
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 Helena-West Helena?
The median household income in Helena-West Helena is $32,466.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Bradley County.
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 Helena-West Helena 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