Types of Disabilities in Charlestown
Hearing difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Charlestown, affecting 131 residents (7.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 131 | 7.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 72 | 4.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 105 | 6.5% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 114 | 7.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 13 | 0.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 70 | 4.4% |
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- Average wait time: 131 days
- Initial approval rate: 46%
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Disability by Age Group
In Charlestown, 45.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 17.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 7 | 17.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 7 | 3.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 96 | 16.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 105 | 26.3% |
| 75 and over | 159 | 45.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 161 | 21.3% |
| Female | 213 | 23.9% |
Women in Charlestown have a higher disability rate (23.9%) compared to men (21.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 374 | 24.2% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | 0.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Charlestown's median household income of $113,281 is above the county median ($102,478) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 1.9%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Charlestown
Charlestown residents in Washington 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 Charlestown
If you live in Charlestown 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 Charlestown have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 374 residents of Charlestown, Rhode Island have at least one disability, representing 22.7% of the population of 1,648.
What is the most common disability type in Charlestown?
The most common type is hearing difficulty, affecting 131 residents (7.9%).
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 Charlestown?
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 Charlestown?
The median household income in Charlestown is $113,281.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in 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 Charlestown 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