Types of Disabilities in Harlan
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Harlan, affecting 268 residents (12.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 114 | 4.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 107 | 4.6% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 145 | 6.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 268 | 12.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 75 | 3.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 165 | 9.6% |
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- Average wait time: 132 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
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Disability by Age Group
In Harlan, 44.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 22 | 5.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 21 | 4.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 255 | 30.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 88 | 31.9% |
| 75 and over | 56 | 44.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 211 | 22.3% |
| Female | 231 | 17.0% |
Men in Harlan have a higher disability rate (22.3%) compared to women (17.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 420 | 20.0% |
| Black or African American | 22 | 19.5% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | 0.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Harlan's median household income of $30,365 is below the county median ($53,616) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 33.3%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Harlan
Harlan residents in Nicholas 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 Harlan
If you live in Harlan 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 Harlan have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 442 residents of Harlan, Kentucky have at least one disability, representing 19.2% of the population of 2,304.
What is the most common disability type in Harlan?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 268 residents (12.7%).
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 Harlan?
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 Harlan?
The median household income in Harlan is $30,365.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Nicholas 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 Harlan 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