Types of Disabilities in Fall River
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Fall River, affecting 8,759 residents (10.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 4,630 | 5.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 3,449 | 3.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 8,759 | 10.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 8,642 | 9.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 3,814 | 4.4% |
| Independent living difficulty | 7,407 | 10.1% |
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- Average wait time: 270 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
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Disability by Age Group
In Fall River, 51.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,300 | 8.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 3,012 | 14.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 8,778 | 23.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 3,028 | 35.5% |
| 75 and over | 2,814 | 51.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 8,167 | 18.3% |
| Female | 10,842 | 22.6% |
Women in Fall River have a higher disability rate (22.6%) compared to men (18.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 14,917 | 22.2% |
| Black or African American | 841 | 14.3% |
| Asian | 367 | 14.6% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,965 | 16.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Fall River's median household income of $53,933 is below the county median ($70,535) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 18.8%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Fall River
Fall River residents in Hampden County apply for SSDI through Massachusetts's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 45% |
| Hearing approval rate | 50% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 270 days |
With an initial approval rate of 45% in Massachusetts and an average wait of 270 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Massachusetts disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Fall River
If you live in Fall River 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 Fall River have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 19,009 residents of Fall River, Massachusetts have at least one disability, representing 20.5% of the population of 92,676.
What is the most common disability type in Fall River?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 8,759 residents (10.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Massachusetts?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Massachusetts is approximately 45%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 50%. Average processing time is 270 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Fall River?
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 Fall River?
The median household income in Fall River is $53,933.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Hampden 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 Fall River 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