Types of Disabilities in New Bedford
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in New Bedford, affecting 62 residents (7.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 58 | 6.2% |
| Vision difficulty | 42 | 4.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 62 | 7.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 41 | 4.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 9 | 1.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 40 | 5.9% |
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- Average wait time: 129 days
- Initial approval rate: 39%
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Disability by Age Group
In New Bedford, 43.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 34.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 60 | 34.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 13 | 6.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 37 | 11.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 16 | 24.2% |
| 75 and over | 40 | 43.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 58 | 13.3% |
| Female | 108 | 21.6% |
Women in New Bedford have a higher disability rate (21.6%) compared to men (13.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 166 | 17.8% |
| Black or African American | 0 | N/A |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | N/A |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
New Bedford's median household income of $76,136 is above the county median ($62,482) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 0.0%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in New Bedford
New Bedford residents in Bradford County apply for SSDI through Pennsylvania's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 39% |
| Hearing approval rate | 50% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 129 days |
With an initial approval rate of 39% in Pennsylvania and an average wait of 129 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Pennsylvania disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in New Bedford
If you live in New Bedford 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 New Bedford have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 166 residents of New Bedford, Pennsylvania have at least one disability, representing 17.7% of the population of 936.
What is the most common disability type in New Bedford?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 62 residents (7.3%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Pennsylvania?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Pennsylvania is approximately 39%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 50%. Average processing time is 129 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in New Bedford?
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 New Bedford?
The median household income in New Bedford is $76,136.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Bradford 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 New Bedford 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