Types of Disabilities in Wilkes-Barre
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Wilkes-Barre, affecting 3,166 residents (7.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,250 | 2.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,120 | 2.6% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,652 | 6.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,166 | 7.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 990 | 2.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,132 | 6.4% |
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- Average wait time: 129 days
- Initial approval rate: 39%
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Disability by Age Group
In Wilkes-Barre, 39.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 9.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 662 | 9.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,025 | 8.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,604 | 17.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,070 | 29.1% |
| 75 and over | 1,080 | 39.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,052 | 14.7% |
| Female | 3,389 | 15.2% |
Women in Wilkes-Barre have a higher disability rate (15.2%) compared to men (14.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,323 | 18.2% |
| Black or African American | 686 | 11.8% |
| Asian | 19 | 2.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,409 | 10.5% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Wilkes-Barre's median household income of $47,970 is below the county median ($64,758) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 17.4%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre residents in Sullivan 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 Wilkes-Barre
If you live in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 6,441 residents of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania have at least one disability, representing 15.0% of the population of 42,991.
What is the most common disability type in Wilkes-Barre?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 3,166 residents (7.8%).
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 Wilkes-Barre?
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 Wilkes-Barre?
The median household income in Wilkes-Barre is $47,970.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Sullivan 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 Wilkes-Barre 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