Types of Disabilities in Worcester
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Worcester, affecting 14,039 residents (7.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 5,402 | 2.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 4,770 | 2.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 14,039 | 7.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 12,859 | 6.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 5,690 | 3.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 11,250 | 6.9% |
Need Help Filing in Massachusetts?
- Average wait time: 270 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Worcester, 47.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,310 | 8.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 5,788 | 8.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 12,289 | 17.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 4,856 | 30.6% |
| 75 and over | 4,707 | 47.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 14,231 | 14.1% |
| Female | 15,741 | 15.4% |
Women in Worcester have a higher disability rate (15.4%) compared to men (14.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 18,834 | 16.0% |
| Black or African American | 2,630 | 10.6% |
| Asian | 1,004 | 7.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 8,363 | 16.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Worcester's median household income of $67,544 is below the county median ($93,561) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 14.4%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Worcester
Worcester residents in Worcester 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 Worcester
If you live in Worcester 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 Worcester have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 29,972 residents of Worcester, Massachusetts have at least one disability, representing 14.7% of the population of 203,353.
What is the most common disability type in Worcester?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 14,039 residents (7.3%).
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 Worcester?
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 Worcester?
The median household income in Worcester is $67,544.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Worcester 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 Worcester 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