Understanding Disability in Luzerne County
Luzerne County in Pennsylvania has a disability rate of 16.0%, which is 3.0 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 319,323, 50,941 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Luzerne County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 24,590 residents (8.1% of the population).
The median household income is $62,321, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.3%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Luzerne County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Luzerne County, affecting 24,590 residents (8.1% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 13,811 | 4.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 8,966 | 2.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 19,824 | 6.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 24,590 | 8.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 8,225 | 2.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 15,758 | 6.2% |
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- Average wait time: 129 days
- Initial approval rate: 39%
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Disability by Age Group
In Luzerne County, 43.8% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 9.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 4,841 | 9.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 6,241 | 9.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 19,304 | 15.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 9,359 | 25.5% |
| 75 and over | 11,082 | 43.8% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 24,670 | 15.6% |
| Female | 26,271 | 16.3% |
Females in Luzerne County have a higher disability rate (16.3%) compared to males (15.6%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Luzerne County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 42,410 | 16.9% |
| Black or African American | 1,690 | 10.8% |
| Asian | 192 | 5.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 6,306 | 12.3% |
Income & Poverty in Luzerne County
The median household income in Luzerne County is $62,321, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.3%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.5%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Pennsylvania
Luzerne 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 Luzerne 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 Luzerne County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 16.0% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Luzerne County has at least one disability, totaling 50,941 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Luzerne County residents?
Luzerne 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 Luzerne 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 Luzerne County?
The median household income in Luzerne County is $62,321, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Luzerne County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Luzerne County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Luzerne 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