Understanding Disability in Buffalo County
Buffalo County in Nebraska has a disability rate of 13.3%, roughly in line with the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 49,563, 6,577 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Buffalo County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 2,495 residents (5.4% of the population).
The median household income is $74,570, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.2%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Buffalo County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Buffalo County, affecting 2,495 residents (5.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,192 | 4.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,305 | 2.6% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,495 | 5.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,443 | 5.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 989 | 2.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,799 | 4.7% |
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- Average wait time: 159 days
- Initial approval rate: 49%
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Disability by Age Group
In Buffalo County, 46.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.8% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 658 | 7.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,118 | 8.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,281 | 13.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,079 | 23.4% |
| 75 and over | 1,405 | 46.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,321 | 13.4% |
| Female | 3,256 | 13.1% |
Males in Buffalo County have a higher disability rate (13.4%) compared to females (13.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Buffalo County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,909 | 13.6% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 42 | 5.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 547 | 10.8% |
Income & Poverty in Buffalo County
The median household income in Buffalo County is $74,570, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.2%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.0%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Nebraska
Buffalo County residents apply for SSDI through the Nebraska Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Nebraska Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 49% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 16% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 55% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 159 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Buffalo 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 Nebraska, where only 49% 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 Nebraska is 159 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 51% denial rate in Nebraska, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 55% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Buffalo County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 13.3% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Buffalo County has at least one disability, totaling 6,577 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Buffalo County residents?
Buffalo County residents apply through Nebraska's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 49%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 55%. Average processing takes 159 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Nebraska?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Nebraska is 159 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Buffalo County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Nebraska, 55% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Buffalo County?
The median household income in Buffalo County is $74,570, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Buffalo County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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