Types of Disabilities in Tonawanda
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Tonawanda, affecting 1,129 residents (7.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 505 | 3.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 440 | 2.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,129 | 7.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,108 | 7.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 586 | 4.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,059 | 8.7% |
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- Average wait time: 142 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Tonawanda, 42.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 12.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 287 | 12.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 316 | 10.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 954 | 15.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 530 | 24.9% |
| 75 and over | 410 | 42.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 961 | 12.7% |
| Female | 1,562 | 20.8% |
Women in Tonawanda have a higher disability rate (20.8%) compared to men (12.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,371 | 17.3% |
| Black or African American | 20 | 9.4% |
| Asian | 42 | 14.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 98 | 19.2% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Tonawanda's median household income of $61,619 is below the county median ($118,411) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Tonawanda
Tonawanda residents in Westchester 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 Tonawanda
If you live in Tonawanda 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 Tonawanda have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,523 residents of Tonawanda, New York have at least one disability, representing 16.8% of the population of 15,044.
What is the most common disability type in Tonawanda?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,129 residents (7.9%).
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 Tonawanda?
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 Tonawanda?
The median household income in Tonawanda is $61,619.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Westchester County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Tonawanda 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