Types of Disabilities in San Bernardino
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in San Bernardino, affecting 13,365 residents (6.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 5,486 | 2.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 6,287 | 2.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 12,141 | 6.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 13,365 | 6.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 5,674 | 2.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 10,062 | 6.5% |
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- Average wait time: 222 days
- Initial approval rate: 37%
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Disability by Age Group
In San Bernardino, 54.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,744 | 6.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 4,685 | 7.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 11,147 | 15.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 4,663 | 33.8% |
| 75 and over | 4,328 | 54.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 13,762 | 12.9% |
| Female | 13,916 | 12.7% |
Men in San Bernardino have a higher disability rate (12.9%) compared to women (12.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 8,684 | 14.8% |
| Black or African American | 4,947 | 19.9% |
| Asian | 1,651 | 18.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 14,097 | 9.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
San Bernardino's median household income of $63,988 is above the county median ($55,499) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 15.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in San Bernardino
San Bernardino residents in Siskiyou County apply for SSDI through California's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 37% |
| Hearing approval rate | 59% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 222 days |
With an initial approval rate of 37% in California and an average wait of 222 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our California disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in San Bernardino
If you live in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 27,678 residents of San Bernardino, California have at least one disability, representing 12.8% of the population of 216,140.
What is the most common disability type in San Bernardino?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 13,365 residents (6.6%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in California?
The initial SSDI approval rate in California is approximately 37%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 59%. Average processing time is 222 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in San Bernardino?
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 San Bernardino?
The median household income in San Bernardino is $63,988.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Siskiyou 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 San Bernardino 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