Types of Disabilities in Ottawa
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Ottawa, affecting 1,703 residents (9.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 635 | 3.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 358 | 1.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 907 | 5.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,703 | 9.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 526 | 3.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 824 | 6.0% |
Need Help Filing in Illinois?
- Average wait time: 257 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Ottawa, 52.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.8% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 240 | 6.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 353 | 10.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 978 | 13.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 484 | 28.8% |
| 75 and over | 566 | 52.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,230 | 14.0% |
| Female | 1,391 | 14.5% |
Women in Ottawa have a higher disability rate (14.5%) compared to men (14.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,386 | 14.5% |
| Black or African American | 19 | 4.0% |
| Asian | 47 | 22.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 135 | 7.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Ottawa's median household income of $73,011 is above the county median ($70,796) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 11.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Ottawa
Ottawa residents in Livingston 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 Ottawa
If you live in Ottawa 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 Ottawa have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,621 residents of Ottawa, Illinois have at least one disability, representing 14.3% of the population of 18,382.
What is the most common disability type in Ottawa?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,703 residents (9.9%).
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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa?
The median household income in Ottawa is $73,011.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Livingston 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 Ottawa 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