Types of Disabilities in New London
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in New London, affecting 2,043 residents (8.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 722 | 2.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,143 | 4.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,043 | 8.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,802 | 7.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 786 | 3.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,710 | 8.2% |
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- Average wait time: 172 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In New London, 45.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 12.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 415 | 12.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,077 | 14.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,502 | 15.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 841 | 35.4% |
| 75 and over | 631 | 45.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,333 | 19.9% |
| Female | 2,133 | 15.3% |
Men in New London have a higher disability rate (19.9%) compared to women (15.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,264 | 17.3% |
| Black or African American | 764 | 20.0% |
| Asian | 129 | 20.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,384 | 15.2% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
New London's median household income of $60,123 is below the county median ($101,117) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 17.1%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in New London
New London residents in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region apply for SSDI through Connecticut's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 45% |
| Hearing approval rate | 47% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 172 days |
With an initial approval rate of 45% in Connecticut and an average wait of 172 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Connecticut disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in New London
If you live in New London 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 New London have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 4,466 residents of New London, Connecticut have at least one disability, representing 17.4% of the population of 25,708.
What is the most common disability type in New London?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 2,043 residents (8.4%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Connecticut?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Connecticut is approximately 45%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 47%. Average processing time is 172 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in New London?
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 New London?
The median household income in New London is $60,123.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region.
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 New London 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