Types of Disabilities in South Portland
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in South Portland, affecting 1,995 residents (7.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 784 | 3.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 455 | 1.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,086 | 4.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,995 | 7.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 675 | 2.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,080 | 4.8% |
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- Average wait time: 221 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
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Disability by Age Group
In South Portland, 56.0% 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 | 158 | 5.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 405 | 5.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 927 | 9.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 620 | 21.1% |
| 75 and over | 1,244 | 56.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,489 | 11.7% |
| Female | 1,865 | 13.6% |
Women in South Portland have a higher disability rate (13.6%) compared to men (11.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,004 | 13.5% |
| Black or African American | 63 | 3.6% |
| Asian | 76 | 10.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 90 | 11.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
South Portland's median household income of $84,563 is above the county median ($67,298) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 2.3%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in South Portland
South Portland residents in Androscoggin County apply for SSDI through Maine's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 42% |
| Hearing approval rate | 56% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 221 days |
With an initial approval rate of 42% in Maine and an average wait of 221 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Maine disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in South Portland
If you live in South Portland 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 South Portland have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 3,354 residents of South Portland, Maine have at least one disability, representing 12.7% of the population of 26,477.
What is the most common disability type in South Portland?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,995 residents (7.9%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Maine?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Maine is approximately 42%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 56%. Average processing time is 221 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in South Portland?
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 South Portland?
The median household income in South Portland is $84,563.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Androscoggin 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 South Portland 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