Types of Disabilities in Belfast
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Belfast, affecting 559 residents (8.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 450 | 6.6% |
| Vision difficulty | 167 | 2.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 369 | 5.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 559 | 8.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 94 | 1.4% |
| Independent living difficulty | 332 | 5.9% |
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- Average wait time: 221 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
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Disability by Age Group
In Belfast, 50.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 2.7% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 23 | 2.7% |
| 5 to 17 | 94 | 10.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 421 | 18.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 279 | 16.7% |
| 75 and over | 399 | 50.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 493 | 16.3% |
| Female | 723 | 19.0% |
Women in Belfast have a higher disability rate (19.0%) compared to men (16.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,080 | 18.1% |
| Black or African American | 43 | 32.8% |
| 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
Belfast's median household income of $61,322 is above the county median ($54,254) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 10.5%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Belfast
Belfast residents in Aroostook 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 Belfast
If you live in Belfast 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 Belfast have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 1,216 residents of Belfast, Maine have at least one disability, representing 17.8% of the population of 6,832.
What is the most common disability type in Belfast?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 559 residents (8.6%).
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 Belfast?
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 Belfast?
The median household income in Belfast is $61,322.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Aroostook 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 Belfast 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