Types of Disabilities in Ferndale
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Ferndale, affecting 1,347 residents (8.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 547 | 3.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 328 | 1.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,130 | 7.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,347 | 8.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 476 | 3.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 796 | 6.4% |
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- Average wait time: 381 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
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Disability by Age Group
In Ferndale, 42.2% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 12.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 356 | 12.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 231 | 5.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,056 | 17.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 511 | 40.2% |
| 75 and over | 486 | 42.2% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,196 | 14.9% |
| Female | 1,444 | 16.4% |
Women in Ferndale have a higher disability rate (16.4%) compared to men (14.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,727 | 18.3% |
| Black or African American | 512 | 11.7% |
| Asian | 30 | 11.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 135 | 9.9% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Ferndale's median household income of $92,391 is above the county median ($57,393) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Ferndale
Ferndale residents in Allegany County apply for SSDI through Maryland's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 45% |
| Hearing approval rate | 59% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 381 days |
With an initial approval rate of 45% in Maryland and an average wait of 381 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Maryland disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Ferndale
If you live in Ferndale 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 Ferndale have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,640 residents of Ferndale, Maryland have at least one disability, representing 15.7% of the population of 16,830.
What is the most common disability type in Ferndale?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,347 residents (8.8%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Maryland?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Maryland is approximately 45%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 59%. Average processing time is 381 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Ferndale?
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 Ferndale?
The median household income in Ferndale is $92,391.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Allegany 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 Ferndale 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