Understanding Disability in Merrimack County
Merrimack County in New Hampshire has a disability rate of 14.5%, which is 1.5 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 151,745, 21,950 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Merrimack County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 9,228 residents (6.4% of the population).
The median household income is $93,944, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Merrimack County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Merrimack County, affecting 9,228 residents (6.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 6,508 | 4.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 3,006 | 2.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 9,228 | 6.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 9,166 | 6.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 3,272 | 2.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 7,206 | 5.9% |
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- Average wait time: 157 days
- Initial approval rate: 51%
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Disability by Age Group
In Merrimack County, 39.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,650 | 7.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 3,750 | 11.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 8,240 | 13.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 4,104 | 22.4% |
| 75 and over | 4,103 | 39.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 10,955 | 14.6% |
| Female | 10,995 | 14.3% |
Males in Merrimack County have a higher disability rate (14.6%) compared to females (14.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Merrimack County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 20,436 | 14.7% |
| Black or African American | 281 | 12.3% |
| Asian | 260 | 10.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 400 | 10.7% |
Income & Poverty in Merrimack County
The median household income in Merrimack County is $93,944, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 3.7%, 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 New Hampshire
Merrimack County residents apply for SSDI through the New Hampshire Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | New Hampshire Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 51% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 26% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 53% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 157 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Merrimack 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 New Hampshire, where only 51% 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 New Hampshire is 157 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 49% denial rate in New Hampshire, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 53% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Merrimack County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 14.5% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Merrimack County has at least one disability, totaling 21,950 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Merrimack County residents?
Merrimack County residents apply through New Hampshire's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 51%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 53%. Average processing takes 157 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in New Hampshire?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in New Hampshire is 157 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Merrimack County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In New Hampshire, 53% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Merrimack County?
The median household income in Merrimack County is $93,944, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Merrimack County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Merrimack County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Merrimack 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