Understanding Disability in Washington County
Washington County in Rhode Island has a disability rate of 10.7%, which is 2.3 percentage points below the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 128,832, 13,783 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Washington County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 5,477 residents (4.4% of the population).
The median household income is $102,478, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 4.0%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Washington County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Washington County, affecting 5,477 residents (4.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 4,918 | 3.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 2,209 | 1.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 4,163 | 3.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 5,477 | 4.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 2,199 | 1.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 3,969 | 3.7% |
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- Average wait time: 131 days
- Initial approval rate: 46%
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Disability by Age Group
In Washington County, 35.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 727 | 4.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,715 | 5.5% |
| 18 to 64 | 4,245 | 8.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 3,158 | 18.0% |
| 75 and over | 3,938 | 35.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 6,993 | 11.1% |
| Female | 6,790 | 10.3% |
Males in Washington County have a higher disability rate (11.1%) compared to females (10.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Washington County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 12,242 | 10.5% |
| Black or African American | 267 | 15.8% |
| Asian | 193 | 6.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 509 | 10.6% |
Income & Poverty in Washington County
The median household income in Washington County is $102,478, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 4.0%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.9%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Rhode Island
Washington County residents apply for SSDI through the Rhode Island Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Rhode Island Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 46% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 16% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 47% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 131 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Washington 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 Rhode Island, where only 46% 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 Rhode Island is 131 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 54% denial rate in Rhode Island, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 47% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Washington County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 10.7% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Washington County has at least one disability, totaling 13,783 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Washington County residents?
Washington County residents apply through Rhode Island's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 46%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 47%. Average processing takes 131 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Rhode Island?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Rhode Island is 131 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Washington County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Rhode Island, 47% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Washington County?
The median household income in Washington County is $102,478, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Washington County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Washington 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 Washington 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