Types of Disabilities in Smith Island
Hearing difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Smith Island, affecting 47 residents (13.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 47 | 13.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 6 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 11 | 3.2% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 15 | 4.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 2 | 0.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 24 | 8.4% |
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- Average wait time: 381 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
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Disability by Age Group
In Smith Island, 33.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 0.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 4 | 36.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 54 | 35.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 4 | 4.4% |
| 75 and over | 11 | 33.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 58 | 32.4% |
| Female | 15 | 9.3% |
Men in Smith Island have a higher disability rate (32.4%) compared to women (9.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 73 | 22.1% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| 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
Smith Island's median household income of $82,443 is above the county median ($72,861) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 19.8%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Smith Island
Smith Island residents in Wicomico 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 Smith Island
If you live in Smith Island 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 Smith Island have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 73 residents of Smith Island, Maryland have at least one disability, representing 21.5% of the population of 340.
What is the most common disability type in Smith Island?
The most common type is hearing difficulty, affecting 47 residents (13.8%).
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 Smith Island?
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 Smith Island?
The median household income in Smith Island is $82,443.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Wicomico 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 Smith Island 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