Types of Disabilities in Providence
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Providence, affecting 11,674 residents (6.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 4,468 | 2.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 5,232 | 2.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 11,674 | 6.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 11,495 | 6.5% |
| Self-care difficulty | 5,210 | 2.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 9,628 | 6.5% |
Need Help Filing in Rhode Island?
- Average wait time: 131 days
- Initial approval rate: 46%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Providence, 49.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,141 | 7.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 4,845 | 7.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 11,116 | 17.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 3,659 | 29.8% |
| 75 and over | 3,846 | 49.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 11,930 | 12.9% |
| Female | 13,831 | 14.5% |
Women in Providence have a higher disability rate (14.5%) compared to men (12.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 11,717 | 15.6% |
| Black or African American | 3,433 | 13.7% |
| Asian | 678 | 6.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 10,835 | 12.9% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Providence's median household income of $66,772 is below the county median ($100,859) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 14.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Providence
Providence residents in Newport County apply for SSDI through Rhode Island's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 46% |
| Hearing approval rate | 47% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 131 days |
With an initial approval rate of 46% in Rhode Island and an average wait of 131 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Rhode Island disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Providence
If you live in Providence 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 Providence have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 25,761 residents of Providence, Rhode Island have at least one disability, representing 13.7% of the population of 187,620.
What is the most common disability type in Providence?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 11,674 residents (6.6%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Rhode Island?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Rhode Island is approximately 46%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 47%. Average processing time is 131 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Providence?
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 Providence?
The median household income in Providence is $66,772.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Newport 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 Providence 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