Types of Disabilities in New Castle
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in New Castle, affecting 2,839 residents (14.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 809 | 3.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 981 | 4.6% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,839 | 14.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,617 | 13.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,233 | 6.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,151 | 13.5% |
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- Average wait time: 129 days
- Initial approval rate: 39%
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Disability by Age Group
In New Castle, 53.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 13.7% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 526 | 13.7% |
| 5 to 17 | 779 | 16.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,216 | 28.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 706 | 32.2% |
| 75 and over | 798 | 53.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,446 | 24.9% |
| Female | 2,626 | 23.0% |
Men in New Castle have a higher disability rate (24.9%) compared to women (23.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,109 | 25.2% |
| Black or African American | 609 | 27.2% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 107 | 10.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
New Castle's median household income of $41,478 is below the county median ($59,840) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 18.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in New Castle
New Castle residents in Potter 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 Castle
If you live in New Castle 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 Castle have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 5,072 residents of New Castle, Pennsylvania have at least one disability, representing 23.9% of the population of 21,212.
What is the most common disability type in New Castle?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 2,839 residents (14.3%).
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 Castle?
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 Castle?
The median household income in New Castle is $41,478.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Potter 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 Castle 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