Understanding Disability in Lehigh County
Lehigh County in Pennsylvania has a disability rate of 13.1%, roughly in line with the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 371,108, 48,695 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Lehigh County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 22,098 residents (6.3% of the population).
The median household income is $77,493, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.2%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Lehigh County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Lehigh County, affecting 22,098 residents (6.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 10,911 | 2.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 8,342 | 2.2% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 22,098 | 6.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 21,387 | 6.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 7,934 | 2.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 16,101 | 5.6% |
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- Average wait time: 129 days
- Initial approval rate: 39%
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Disability by Age Group
In Lehigh County, 44.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 9.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 5,631 | 9.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 7,141 | 8.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 17,437 | 12.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 7,304 | 19.6% |
| 75 and over | 11,133 | 44.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 23,349 | 12.8% |
| Female | 25,346 | 13.5% |
Females in Lehigh County have a higher disability rate (13.5%) compared to males (12.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Lehigh County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 32,147 | 13.0% |
| Black or African American | 3,205 | 12.5% |
| Asian | 943 | 7.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 14,456 | 14.4% |
Income & Poverty in Lehigh County
The median household income in Lehigh County is $77,493, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.2%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.6%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Pennsylvania
Lehigh County residents apply for SSDI through the Pennsylvania Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Pennsylvania Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 39% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 16% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 50% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 129 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Lehigh County
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits and have a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity. In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is critical. In Pennsylvania, where only 39% of initial claims are approved, thorough evidence makes the difference.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The average processing time in Pennsylvania is 129 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 61% denial rate in Pennsylvania, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 50% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Lehigh County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 13.1% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Lehigh County has at least one disability, totaling 48,695 residents. This is similar to the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Lehigh County residents?
Lehigh County residents apply through Pennsylvania's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 39%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 50%. Average processing takes 129 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Pennsylvania?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Pennsylvania is 129 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Lehigh County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Pennsylvania, 50% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Lehigh County?
The median household income in Lehigh County is $77,493, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Lehigh County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Lehigh County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Lehigh County 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