Types of Disabilities in Salem
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Salem, affecting 60 residents (6.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 46 | 5.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 13 | 1.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 39 | 4.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 60 | 6.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 34 | 3.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 57 | 6.8% |
Need Help Filing in New York?
- Average wait time: 142 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Salem, 49.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 40.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 22 | 40.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 7 | 2.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 41 | 11.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 75 and over | 56 | 49.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 79 | 18.4% |
| Female | 47 | 9.7% |
Men in Salem have a higher disability rate (18.4%) compared to women (9.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 126 | 16.2% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| 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
Salem's median household income of $76,993 is above the county median ($62,093) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 4.0%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Salem
Salem residents in Chenango County apply for SSDI through New York's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 40% |
| Hearing approval rate | 58% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 142 days |
With an initial approval rate of 40% in New York and an average wait of 142 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our New York disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Salem
If you live in Salem 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 Salem have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 126 residents of Salem, New York have at least one disability, representing 13.8% of the population of 914.
What is the most common disability type in Salem?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 60 residents (6.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in New York?
The initial SSDI approval rate in New York is approximately 40%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 58%. Average processing time is 142 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Salem?
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 Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $76,993.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Chenango 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 Salem 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