Types of Disabilities in Elsmere
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Elsmere, affecting 360 residents (6.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 192 | 3.1% |
| Vision difficulty | 149 | 2.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 194 | 3.5% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 360 | 6.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 90 | 1.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 239 | 5.4% |
Need Help Filing in Delaware?
- Average wait time: 182 days
- Initial approval rate: 37%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Elsmere, 50.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 3.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 38 | 3.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 27 | 1.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 226 | 10.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 143 | 33.3% |
| 75 and over | 171 | 50.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 319 | 10.4% |
| Female | 373 | 12.0% |
Women in Elsmere have a higher disability rate (12.0%) compared to men (10.4%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 507 | 14.4% |
| Black or African American | 70 | 6.8% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 251 | 12.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Elsmere's median household income of $76,378 is above the county median ($72,872) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 17.4%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Elsmere
Elsmere residents in Kent County apply for SSDI through Delaware's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 37% |
| Hearing approval rate | 61% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 182 days |
With an initial approval rate of 37% in Delaware and an average wait of 182 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Delaware disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Elsmere
If you live in Elsmere 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 Elsmere have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 692 residents of Elsmere, Delaware have at least one disability, representing 11.2% of the population of 6,175.
What is the most common disability type in Elsmere?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 360 residents (6.4%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Delaware?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Delaware is approximately 37%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 61%. Average processing time is 182 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Elsmere?
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 Elsmere?
The median household income in Elsmere is $76,378.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Kent 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 Elsmere 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