Types of Disabilities in Bridgeport
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Bridgeport, affecting 12,222 residents (8.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 4,775 | 3.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 5,800 | 4.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 10,577 | 7.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 12,222 | 8.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 5,154 | 3.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 8,810 | 7.7% |
Need Help Filing in Connecticut?
- Average wait time: 172 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
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Disability by Age Group
In Bridgeport, 60.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 10.3% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,424 | 10.3% |
| 5 to 17 | 3,494 | 9.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 10,524 | 18.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 3,357 | 29.1% |
| 75 and over | 4,674 | 60.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 10,938 | 15.4% |
| Female | 13,564 | 18.0% |
Women in Bridgeport have a higher disability rate (18.0%) compared to men (15.4%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 10,023 | 19.7% |
| Black or African American | 5,167 | 15.8% |
| Asian | 964 | 12.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 10,606 | 16.2% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Bridgeport's median household income of $56,584 is below the county median ($86,266) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 18.3%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Bridgeport
Bridgeport residents in South Central Connecticut 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 Bridgeport
If you live in Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 24,502 residents of Bridgeport, Connecticut have at least one disability, representing 16.7% of the population of 146,666.
What is the most common disability type in Bridgeport?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 12,222 residents (8.8%).
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 Bridgeport?
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 Bridgeport?
The median household income in Bridgeport is $56,584.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in South Central Connecticut 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 Bridgeport 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