Types of Disabilities in Schenectady
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Schenectady, affecting 5,302 residents (8.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,946 | 2.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,635 | 2.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 5,302 | 8.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 5,121 | 8.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,912 | 3.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 4,387 | 8.1% |
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- Average wait time: 142 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Schenectady, 46.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 850 | 8.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,768 | 9.1% |
| 18 to 64 | 5,051 | 20.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,744 | 30.2% |
| 75 and over | 1,744 | 46.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 5,394 | 16.1% |
| Female | 5,824 | 17.0% |
Women in Schenectady have a higher disability rate (17.0%) compared to men (16.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,430 | 19.1% |
| Black or African American | 2,043 | 14.4% |
| Asian | 201 | 5.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,124 | 12.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Schenectady's median household income of $56,398 is below the county median ($74,011) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 19.3%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Schenectady
Schenectady residents in Greene 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 Schenectady
If you live in Schenectady 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 Schenectady have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 11,218 residents of Schenectady, New York have at least one disability, representing 16.5% of the population of 67,805.
What is the most common disability type in Schenectady?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 5,302 residents (8.3%).
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 Schenectady?
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 Schenectady?
The median household income in Schenectady is $56,398.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Greene 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 Schenectady 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