Understanding Disability in Cook County
Cook County in Georgia has a disability rate of 16.1%, which is 3.1 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 17,007, 2,735 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Cook County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,429 residents (9.0% of the population).
The median household income is $50,133, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.0%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Cook County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Cook County, affecting 1,429 residents (9.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 763 | 4.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 605 | 3.6% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,092 | 6.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,429 | 9.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 661 | 4.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 989 | 7.8% |
Need Help Filing in Georgia?
- Average wait time: 434 days
- Initial approval rate: 36%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Cook County, 45.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 9.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 306 | 9.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 428 | 12.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 884 | 13.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 608 | 37.6% |
| 75 and over | 478 | 45.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,356 | 16.2% |
| Female | 1,379 | 16.0% |
Males in Cook County have a higher disability rate (16.2%) compared to females (16.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Cook County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,699 | 15.4% |
| Black or African American | 853 | 17.8% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 43 | 3.5% |
Income & Poverty in Cook County
The median household income in Cook County is $50,133, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.0%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.6%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Georgia
Cook County residents apply for SSDI through the Georgia Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Georgia Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 36% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 15% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 53% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 434 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Cook County
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits and have a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity. In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is critical. In Georgia, where only 36% of initial claims are approved, thorough evidence makes the difference.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The average processing time in Georgia is 434 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 64% denial rate in Georgia, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 53% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Cook County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 16.1% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Cook County has at least one disability, totaling 2,735 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Cook County residents?
Cook County residents apply through Georgia's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 36%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 53%. Average processing takes 434 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Georgia?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Georgia is 434 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Cook County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Georgia, 53% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Cook County?
The median household income in Cook County is $50,133, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Cook County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Cook 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 Cook County 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