Types of Disabilities in Amherst
Independent living difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Amherst, affecting 64 residents (11.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 0 | 0.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 41 | 5.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 0 | 0.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 61 | 8.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 34 | 4.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 64 | 11.3% |
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- Average wait time: 157 days
- Initial approval rate: 51%
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Disability by Age Group
In Amherst, 31.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 0.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 38 | 33.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 60 | 19.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 9 | 13.2% |
| 75 and over | 25 | 31.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 8 | 2.5% |
| Female | 124 | 28.8% |
Women in Amherst have a higher disability rate (28.8%) compared to men (2.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 128 | 18.6% |
| Black or African American | 0 | N/A |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| 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
Amherst's median household income of $165,714 is above the county median ($93,944) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 0.0%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Amherst
Amherst residents in Merrimack County apply for SSDI through New Hampshire's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 51% |
| Hearing approval rate | 53% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 157 days |
With an initial approval rate of 51% in New Hampshire and an average wait of 157 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our New Hampshire disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Amherst
If you live in Amherst 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 Amherst have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 132 residents of Amherst, New Hampshire have at least one disability, representing 17.5% of the population of 756.
What is the most common disability type in Amherst?
The most common type is independent living difficulty, affecting 64 residents (11.3%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in New Hampshire?
The initial SSDI approval rate in New Hampshire is approximately 51%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 53%. Average processing time is 157 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Amherst?
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 Amherst?
The median household income in Amherst is $165,714.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Merrimack 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 Amherst 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