Types of Disabilities in Phelps
Vision difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Phelps, affecting 174 residents (45.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 132 | 34.1% |
| Vision difficulty | 174 | 45.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 35 | 9.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 158 | 40.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 18 | 4.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 47 | 12.1% |
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- Average wait time: 132 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
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Disability by Age Group
In Phelps, 100.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to N/A among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 0 | N/A |
| 5 to 17 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 203 | 92.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 41 | 53.2% |
| 75 and over | 17 | 100.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 106 | 53.3% |
| Female | 155 | 82.4% |
Women in Phelps have a higher disability rate (82.4%) compared to men (53.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 223 | 63.9% |
| Black or African American | 0 | N/A |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | N/A |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Phelps's median household income of $28,542 is below the county median ($63,115) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 8.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Phelps
Phelps residents in Mercer County apply for SSDI through Kentucky's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 34% |
| Hearing approval rate | 51% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 132 days |
With an initial approval rate of 34% in Kentucky and an average wait of 132 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Kentucky disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Phelps
If you live in Phelps 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 Phelps have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 261 residents of Phelps, Kentucky have at least one disability, representing 67.4% of the population of 387.
What is the most common disability type in Phelps?
The most common type is vision difficulty, affecting 174 residents (45.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Kentucky?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Kentucky is approximately 34%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 51%. Average processing time is 132 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Phelps?
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 Phelps?
The median household income in Phelps is $28,542.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Mercer 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 Phelps 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