Types of Disabilities in Santa Cruz
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Santa Cruz, affecting 30 residents (13.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 13 | 5.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 7 | 3.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 30 | 13.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 23 | 10.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 20 | 9.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 21 | 13.6% |
Need Help Filing in New Mexico?
- Average wait time: 214 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Santa Cruz, 57.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 20.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 14 | 20.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 22 | 27.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 4 | 36.4% |
| 75 and over | 4 | 57.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 20 | 19.6% |
| Female | 24 | 19.5% |
Men in Santa Cruz have a higher disability rate (19.6%) compared to women (19.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 10 | 25.0% |
| Black or African American | 0 | N/A |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 41 | 20.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Santa Cruz's median household income of $34,750 is below the county median ($47,556) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 22.2%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz residents in Socorro County apply for SSDI through New Mexico's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 34% |
| Hearing approval rate | 46% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 214 days |
With an initial approval rate of 34% in New Mexico and an average wait of 214 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our New Mexico disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Santa Cruz
If you live in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 44 residents of Santa Cruz, New Mexico have at least one disability, representing 19.6% of the population of 225.
What is the most common disability type in Santa Cruz?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 30 residents (13.6%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in New Mexico?
The initial SSDI approval rate in New Mexico is approximately 34%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 46%. Average processing time is 214 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Santa Cruz?
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 Santa Cruz?
The median household income in Santa Cruz is $34,750.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Socorro 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 Santa Cruz 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