Types of Disabilities in Effingham
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Effingham, affecting 1,176 residents (10.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 843 | 7.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 428 | 3.6% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,132 | 10.2% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,176 | 10.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 461 | 4.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 635 | 6.9% |
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- Average wait time: 257 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Effingham, 57.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 18.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 358 | 18.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 179 | 6.1% |
| 18 to 64 | 887 | 21.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 497 | 38.8% |
| 75 and over | 505 | 57.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 969 | 17.2% |
| Female | 1,457 | 23.0% |
Women in Effingham have a higher disability rate (23.0%) compared to men (17.2%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,300 | 20.5% |
| Black or African American | 3 | 1.7% |
| Asian | 32 | 24.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 96 | 21.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Effingham's median household income of $65,718 is above the county median ($64,536) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 9.4%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Effingham
Effingham residents in Whiteside 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 Effingham
If you live in Effingham 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 Effingham have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,426 residents of Effingham, Illinois have at least one disability, representing 20.3% of the population of 11,963.
What is the most common disability type in Effingham?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,176 residents (10.6%).
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 Effingham?
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 Effingham?
The median household income in Effingham is $65,718.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Whiteside County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Effingham 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