Types of Disabilities in Merriam
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Merriam, affecting 584 residents (5.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 321 | 2.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 164 | 1.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 584 | 5.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 556 | 5.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 200 | 1.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 341 | 3.8% |
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- Average wait time: 276 days
- Initial approval rate: 53%
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Disability by Age Group
In Merriam, 34.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 103 | 7.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 238 | 7.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 552 | 13.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 198 | 17.1% |
| 75 and over | 247 | 34.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 531 | 9.5% |
| Female | 807 | 15.1% |
Women in Merriam have a higher disability rate (15.1%) compared to men (9.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,189 | 13.1% |
| Black or African American | 49 | 6.9% |
| Asian | 32 | 14.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 244 | 19.1% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Merriam's median household income of $71,665 is below the county median ($72,484) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Merriam
Merriam residents in Grant County apply for SSDI through Kansas's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 53% |
| Hearing approval rate | 42% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 276 days |
With an initial approval rate of 53% in Kansas and an average wait of 276 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Kansas disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Merriam
If you live in Merriam 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 Merriam have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 1,338 residents of Merriam, Kansas have at least one disability, representing 12.2% of the population of 10,933.
What is the most common disability type in Merriam?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 584 residents (5.6%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Kansas?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Kansas is approximately 53%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 42%. Average processing time is 276 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Merriam?
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 Merriam?
The median household income in Merriam is $71,665.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Grant 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 Merriam 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