Types of Disabilities in Lewiston
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Lewiston, affecting 3,518 residents (10.1% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,685 | 4.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 755 | 2.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 3,518 | 10.1% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,482 | 10.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,298 | 3.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,516 | 8.7% |
Need Help Filing in Maine?
- Average wait time: 221 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Lewiston, 56.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 12.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 703 | 12.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,025 | 10.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 3,057 | 23.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 948 | 25.6% |
| 75 and over | 1,473 | 56.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,279 | 18.1% |
| Female | 3,927 | 20.6% |
Women in Lewiston have a higher disability rate (20.6%) compared to men (18.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,107 | 20.4% |
| Black or African American | 466 | 11.2% |
| Asian | 12 | 1.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 310 | 27.1% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Lewiston's median household income of $56,558 is below the county median ($65,062) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 12.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Lewiston
Lewiston residents in Kennebec 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 Lewiston
If you live in Lewiston 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 Lewiston have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 7,206 residents of Lewiston, Maine have at least one disability, representing 19.4% of the population of 37,188.
What is the most common disability type in Lewiston?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 3,518 residents (10.1%).
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 Lewiston?
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 Lewiston?
The median household income in Lewiston is $56,558.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Kennebec 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 Lewiston 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