Understanding Disability in Essex County
Essex County in Massachusetts has a disability rate of 12.1%, which is 0.9 percentage points below the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 800,972, 97,140 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Essex County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 43,771 residents (5.8% of the population).
The median household income is $99,431, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.7%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Essex County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Essex County, affecting 43,771 residents (5.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 24,269 | 3.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 15,878 | 2.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 42,863 | 5.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 43,771 | 5.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 19,662 | 2.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 37,754 | 6.0% |
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- Average wait time: 270 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
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Disability by Age Group
In Essex County, 45.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 8,114 | 6.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 12,986 | 7.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 31,854 | 10.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 18,354 | 21.5% |
| 75 and over | 25,453 | 45.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 45,480 | 11.7% |
| Female | 51,660 | 12.5% |
Females in Essex County have a higher disability rate (12.5%) compared to males (11.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Essex County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 70,978 | 12.6% |
| Black or African American | 3,533 | 10.7% |
| Asian | 1,982 | 7.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 21,167 | 11.4% |
Income & Poverty in Essex County
The median household income in Essex County is $99,431, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.7%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.4%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Massachusetts
Essex County residents apply for SSDI through the Massachusetts Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Massachusetts Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 45% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 23% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 50% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 270 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Essex County
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits and have a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity. In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is critical. In Massachusetts, where only 45% of initial claims are approved, thorough evidence makes the difference.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The average processing time in Massachusetts is 270 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 55% denial rate in Massachusetts, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 50% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Essex County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 12.1% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Essex County has at least one disability, totaling 97,140 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Essex County residents?
Essex County residents apply through Massachusetts's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 45%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 50%. Average processing takes 270 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Massachusetts?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Massachusetts is 270 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Essex County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Massachusetts, 50% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Essex County?
The median household income in Essex County is $99,431, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Essex County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Essex 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 Essex County 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