Types of Disabilities in Kearney
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Kearney, affecting 1,890 residents (6.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,369 | 4.1% |
| Vision difficulty | 830 | 2.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,890 | 6.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,673 | 5.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 732 | 2.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,269 | 4.8% |
Need Help Filing in Nebraska?
- Average wait time: 159 days
- Initial approval rate: 49%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Kearney, 45.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 9.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 468 | 9.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 836 | 7.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,457 | 13.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 688 | 22.3% |
| 75 and over | 945 | 45.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,123 | 12.8% |
| Female | 2,301 | 13.6% |
Women in Kearney have a higher disability rate (13.6%) compared to men (12.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,894 | 13.5% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 42 | 5.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 379 | 10.2% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Kearney's median household income of $69,790 is above the county median ($44,777) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.8%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Kearney
Kearney residents in Garden County apply for SSDI through Nebraska's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 49% |
| Hearing approval rate | 55% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 159 days |
With an initial approval rate of 49% in Nebraska and an average wait of 159 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Nebraska disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Kearney
If you live in Kearney 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 Kearney have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 4,424 residents of Kearney, Nebraska have at least one disability, representing 13.2% of the population of 33,547.
What is the most common disability type in Kearney?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,890 residents (6.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Nebraska?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Nebraska is approximately 49%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 55%. Average processing time is 159 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Kearney?
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 Kearney?
The median household income in Kearney is $69,790.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Garden 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 Kearney 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