Types of Disabilities in Fort Smith
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Fort Smith, affecting 42 residents (40.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 34 | 32.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 28 | 26.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 14 | 13.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 42 | 40.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 0 | 0.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 28 | 26.7% |
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- Average wait time: 217 days
- Initial approval rate: 47%
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Disability by Age Group
In Fort Smith, 100.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to N/A among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 0 | N/A |
| 5 to 17 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 6 | 100.0% |
| 75 and over | 42 | 100.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 48 | 72.7% |
| Female | 0 | 0.0% |
Men in Fort Smith have a higher disability rate (72.7%) compared to women (0.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 48 | 55.2% |
| Black or African American | 0 | N/A |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | 0.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Fort Smith's median household income of $52,292 is below the county median ($58,072) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 0.0%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Fort Smith
Fort Smith residents in Beaverhead County apply for SSDI through Montana's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 47% |
| Hearing approval rate | 53% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 217 days |
With an initial approval rate of 47% in Montana and an average wait of 217 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Montana disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Fort Smith
If you live in Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 48 residents of Fort Smith, Montana have at least one disability, representing 45.7% of the population of 105.
What is the most common disability type in Fort Smith?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 42 residents (40.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Montana?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Montana is approximately 47%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 53%. Average processing time is 217 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Fort Smith?
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 Fort Smith?
The median household income in Fort Smith is $52,292.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Beaverhead 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 Fort Smith 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