Understanding Disability in Plymouth County
Plymouth County in Massachusetts has a disability rate of 11.7%, which is 1.3 percentage points below the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 525,298, 61,255 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Plymouth County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 26,038 residents (5.2% of the population).
The median household income is $109,698, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 4.6%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Plymouth County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Plymouth County, affecting 26,038 residents (5.2% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 18,604 | 3.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 9,510 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 25,089 | 5.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 26,038 | 5.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 11,282 | 2.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 20,803 | 5.0% |
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- Average wait time: 270 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
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Disability by Age Group
In Plymouth County, 40.8% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 4,701 | 5.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 7,953 | 7.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 21,223 | 10.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 11,589 | 19.2% |
| 75 and over | 15,699 | 40.8% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 29,427 | 11.5% |
| Female | 31,828 | 11.8% |
Females in Plymouth County have a higher disability rate (11.8%) compared to males (11.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Plymouth County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 48,683 | 11.9% |
| Black or African American | 4,659 | 10.2% |
| Asian | 526 | 6.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 3,000 | 12.3% |
Income & Poverty in Plymouth County
The median household income in Plymouth County is $109,698, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 4.6%, 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
Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 11.7% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Plymouth County has at least one disability, totaling 61,255 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Plymouth County residents?
Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth County?
The median household income in Plymouth County is $109,698, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Plymouth County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Plymouth County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Plymouth 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