Types of Disabilities in East Lansing
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in East Lansing, affecting 2,777 residents (6.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 828 | 1.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 440 | 1.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,777 | 6.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,152 | 2.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 385 | 0.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,541 | 3.8% |
Need Help Filing in Michigan?
- Average wait time: 182 days
- Initial approval rate: 41%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In East Lansing, 39.8% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.3% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 135 | 4.3% |
| 5 to 17 | 2,739 | 8.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 561 | 8.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 378 | 18.9% |
| 75 and over | 643 | 39.8% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,051 | 9.2% |
| Female | 2,424 | 10.6% |
Women in East Lansing have a higher disability rate (10.6%) compared to men (9.2%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,355 | 10.1% |
| Black or African American | 681 | 19.2% |
| Asian | 198 | 4.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 284 | 10.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
East Lansing's median household income of $43,547 is below the county median ($55,576) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.5%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in East Lansing
East Lansing residents in Gladwin County apply for SSDI through Michigan's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 41% |
| Hearing approval rate | 60% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 182 days |
With an initial approval rate of 41% in Michigan and an average wait of 182 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Michigan disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in East Lansing
If you live in East Lansing 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 East Lansing have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 4,475 residents of East Lansing, Michigan have at least one disability, representing 9.9% of the population of 45,060.
What is the most common disability type in East Lansing?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 2,777 residents (6.3%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Michigan?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Michigan is approximately 41%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 60%. Average processing time is 182 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in East Lansing?
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 East Lansing?
The median household income in East Lansing is $43,547.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Gladwin 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 East Lansing 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