Types of Disabilities in Des Plaines
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Des Plaines, affecting 3,654 residents (6.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,606 | 2.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,398 | 2.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,980 | 3.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,654 | 6.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,335 | 2.4% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,800 | 6.0% |
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- Average wait time: 257 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Des Plaines, 46.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.3% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 473 | 5.3% |
| 5 to 17 | 569 | 5.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,082 | 8.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,269 | 19.6% |
| 75 and over | 2,309 | 46.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,126 | 11.0% |
| Female | 3,586 | 11.9% |
Women in Des Plaines have a higher disability rate (11.9%) compared to men (11.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,423 | 12.7% |
| Black or African American | 214 | 9.9% |
| Asian | 781 | 9.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,207 | 8.8% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Des Plaines's median household income of $94,303 is above the county median ($82,314) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 3.6%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Des Plaines
Des Plaines residents in Clinton County apply for SSDI through Illinois's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 40% |
| Hearing approval rate | 49% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 257 days |
With an initial approval rate of 40% in Illinois and an average wait of 257 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Illinois disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Des Plaines
If you live in Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 6,712 residents of Des Plaines, Illinois have at least one disability, representing 11.5% of the population of 58,425.
What is the most common disability type in Des Plaines?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 3,654 residents (6.6%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Illinois?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Illinois is approximately 40%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 49%. Average processing time is 257 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Des Plaines?
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 Des Plaines?
The median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Clinton County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Des Plaines 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