Types of Disabilities in Cleveland
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Cleveland, affecting 35,611 residents (10.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 12,369 | 3.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 13,991 | 3.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 33,487 | 9.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 35,611 | 10.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 13,178 | 3.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 26,981 | 9.5% |
Need Help Filing in Ohio?
- Average wait time: 136 days
- Initial approval rate: 39%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Cleveland, 52.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 12.8% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 7,277 | 12.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 11,414 | 11.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 31,246 | 23.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 11,313 | 33.9% |
| 75 and over | 10,334 | 52.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 34,676 | 19.9% |
| Female | 37,274 | 19.9% |
Men and women in Cleveland have similar disability rates (19.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 24,315 | 18.5% |
| Black or African American | 35,812 | 21.1% |
| Asian | 986 | 11.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 9,165 | 19.5% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Cleveland's median household income of $39,187 is below the county median ($55,576) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 25.2%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Cleveland
Cleveland residents in Mahoning County apply for SSDI through Ohio's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 39% |
| Hearing approval rate | 53% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 136 days |
With an initial approval rate of 39% in Ohio 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 Ohio disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Cleveland
If you live in Cleveland 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 Cleveland have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 71,950 residents of Cleveland, Ohio have at least one disability, representing 19.9% of the population of 362,057.
What is the most common disability type in Cleveland?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 35,611 residents (10.4%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Ohio?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Ohio is approximately 39%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 53%. Average processing time is 136 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Cleveland?
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 Cleveland?
The median household income in Cleveland is $39,187.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Mahoning 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 Cleveland 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