Understanding Disability in Smith County
Smith County in Kansas has a disability rate of 17.7%, which is 4.7 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 3,527, 625 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Smith County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 374 residents (11.2% of the population).
The median household income is $57,024, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Smith County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Smith County, affecting 374 residents (11.2% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 186 | 5.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 73 | 2.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 237 | 7.1% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 374 | 11.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 125 | 3.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 171 | 6.1% |
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- Average wait time: 276 days
- Initial approval rate: 53%
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Disability by Age Group
In Smith County, 31.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 32 | 5.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 51 | 9.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 307 | 23.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 97 | 17.6% |
| 75 and over | 138 | 31.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 331 | 18.4% |
| Female | 294 | 17.0% |
Males in Smith County have a higher disability rate (18.4%) compared to females (17.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Smith County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 609 | 18.3% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | 0.0% |
Income & Poverty in Smith County
The median household income in Smith County is $57,024, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 1.0%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Kansas
Smith County residents apply for SSDI through the Kansas Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Kansas Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 53% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 14% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 42% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 276 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Smith 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 Kansas, where only 53% 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 Kansas is 276 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 47% denial rate in Kansas, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 42% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Smith County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 17.7% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Smith County has at least one disability, totaling 625 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Smith County residents?
Smith County residents apply through Kansas's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 53%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 42%. Average processing takes 276 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Kansas?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Kansas is 276 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Smith County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Kansas, 42% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Smith County?
The median household income in Smith County is $57,024, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Smith County
City-level data for Smith County is coming soon.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Smith 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