Types of Disabilities in Plains
Hearing difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Plains, affecting 138 residents (13.1% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 138 | 13.1% |
| Vision difficulty | 56 | 5.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 116 | 11.2% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 85 | 8.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 47 | 4.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 63 | 7.0% |
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- Average wait time: 217 days
- Initial approval rate: 47%
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Disability by Age Group
In Plains, 47.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.7% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 10 | 7.7% |
| 5 to 17 | 25 | 9.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 137 | 38.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 17 | 10.9% |
| 75 and over | 54 | 47.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 175 | 30.5% |
| Female | 68 | 14.1% |
Men in Plains have a higher disability rate (30.5%) compared to women (14.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 223 | 23.2% |
| Black or African American | 8 | 50.0% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2 | 100.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Plains's median household income of $24,661 is below the county median ($76,576) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 12.4%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Plains
Plains residents in Jefferson 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 Plains
If you live in Plains 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 Plains have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 243 residents of Plains, Montana have at least one disability, representing 23.0% of the population of 1,055.
What is the most common disability type in Plains?
The most common type is hearing difficulty, affecting 138 residents (13.1%).
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 Plains?
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 Plains?
The median household income in Plains is $24,661.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Jefferson 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 Plains 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