Types of Disabilities in Paterson
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Paterson, affecting 7,526 residents (5.2% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,374 | 1.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 2,824 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 5,941 | 4.1% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 7,526 | 5.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 3,777 | 2.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 5,961 | 5.3% |
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- Average wait time: 136 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
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Disability by Age Group
In Paterson, 46.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,278 | 4.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,540 | 4.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 4,709 | 8.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,430 | 21.0% |
| 75 and over | 3,429 | 46.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 5,968 | 7.7% |
| Female | 7,501 | 9.4% |
Women in Paterson have a higher disability rate (9.4%) compared to men (7.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,309 | 9.5% |
| Black or African American | 4,087 | 10.9% |
| Asian | 582 | 7.6% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7,159 | 7.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Paterson's median household income of $53,766 is below the county median ($114,316) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 20.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Paterson
Paterson residents in Sussex County apply for SSDI through New Jersey's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 42% |
| Hearing approval rate | 59% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 136 days |
With an initial approval rate of 42% in New Jersey and an average wait of 136 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our New Jersey disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Paterson
If you live in Paterson 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 Paterson have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 13,469 residents of Paterson, New Jersey have at least one disability, representing 8.6% of the population of 156,833.
What is the most common disability type in Paterson?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 7,526 residents (5.2%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in New Jersey?
The initial SSDI approval rate in New Jersey is approximately 42%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 59%. Average processing time is 136 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Paterson?
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 Paterson?
The median household income in Paterson is $53,766.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Sussex 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 Paterson 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