Types of Disabilities in Jersey City
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Jersey City, affecting 13,346 residents (5.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 4,119 | 1.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 3,675 | 1.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 8,247 | 3.1% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 13,346 | 5.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 6,827 | 2.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 9,650 | 4.2% |
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- Average wait time: 136 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Jersey City, 38.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,675 | 4.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 2,360 | 2.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 8,375 | 7.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 4,941 | 24.4% |
| 75 and over | 5,020 | 38.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 9,619 | 6.6% |
| Female | 12,752 | 8.9% |
Women in Jersey City have a higher disability rate (8.9%) compared to men (6.6%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,172 | 7.5% |
| Black or African American | 6,036 | 9.7% |
| Asian | 3,416 | 4.6% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7,706 | 10.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Jersey City's median household income of $94,813 is below the county median ($99,596) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 12.1%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Jersey City
Jersey City residents in Warren 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 Jersey City
If you live in Jersey City 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 Jersey City have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 22,371 residents of Jersey City, New Jersey have at least one disability, representing 7.7% of the population of 288,843.
What is the most common disability type in Jersey City?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 13,346 residents (5.0%).
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 Jersey City?
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 Jersey City?
The median household income in Jersey City is $94,813.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Warren 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 Jersey City 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