Understanding Disability in St. Tammany Parish
St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana has a disability rate of 16.9%, which is 3.9 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 265,844, 44,844 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in St. Tammany Parish is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 20,868 residents (8.3% of the population).
The median household income is $79,277, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.5%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in St. Tammany Parish
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in St. Tammany Parish, affecting 20,868 residents (8.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 13,875 | 5.2% |
| Vision difficulty | 11,112 | 4.2% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 17,330 | 6.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 20,868 | 8.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 7,613 | 3.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 12,399 | 6.1% |
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- Average wait time: 329 days
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Disability by Age Group
In St. Tammany Parish, 53.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.7% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 4,235 | 8.7% |
| 5 to 17 | 6,002 | 12.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 16,330 | 15.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 8,364 | 28.1% |
| 75 and over | 9,604 | 53.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 21,764 | 16.8% |
| Female | 23,080 | 16.9% |
Females in St. Tammany Parish have a higher disability rate (16.9%) compared to males (16.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in St. Tammany Parish.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 35,376 | 17.7% |
| Black or African American | 5,605 | 17.5% |
| Asian | 307 | 8.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2,293 | 10.9% |
Income & Poverty in St. Tammany Parish
The median household income in St. Tammany Parish is $79,277, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.5%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.0%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Louisiana
St. Tammany Parish residents apply for SSDI through the Louisiana Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Louisiana Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 38% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 18% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 54% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 329 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in St. Tammany Parish
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 Louisiana, where only 38% 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 Louisiana is 329 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 62% denial rate in Louisiana, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 54% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in St. Tammany Parish?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 16.9% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in St. Tammany Parish has at least one disability, totaling 44,844 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for St. Tammany Parish residents?
St. Tammany Parish residents apply through Louisiana's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 38%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 54%. Average processing takes 329 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Louisiana?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Louisiana is 329 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in St. Tammany Parish?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Louisiana, 54% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in St. Tammany Parish?
The median household income in St. Tammany Parish is $79,277, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in St. Tammany Parish
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within St. Tammany Parish.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for St. Tammany Parish 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