Types of Disabilities in Surfside Beach
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Surfside Beach, affecting 283 residents (7.1% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 204 | 4.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 145 | 3.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 283 | 7.1% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 260 | 6.5% |
| Self-care difficulty | 60 | 1.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 173 | 4.5% |
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- Average wait time: 452 days
- Initial approval rate: 43%
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Disability by Age Group
In Surfside Beach, 46.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 13.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 26 | 13.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 109 | 15.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 267 | 14.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 155 | 19.6% |
| 75 and over | 198 | 46.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 472 | 20.7% |
| Female | 283 | 14.7% |
Men in Surfside Beach have a higher disability rate (20.7%) compared to women (14.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 741 | 19.1% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| 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
Surfside Beach's median household income of $74,202 is above the county median ($44,145) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 10.1%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach residents in Lee County apply for SSDI through South Carolina's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 43% |
| Hearing approval rate | 60% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 452 days |
With an initial approval rate of 43% in South Carolina and an average wait of 452 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our South Carolina disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Surfside Beach
If you live in Surfside Beach 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 Surfside Beach have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 755 residents of Surfside Beach, South Carolina have at least one disability, representing 18.0% of the population of 4,197.
What is the most common disability type in Surfside Beach?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 283 residents (7.1%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in South Carolina?
The initial SSDI approval rate in South Carolina is approximately 43%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 60%. Average processing time is 452 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Surfside Beach?
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 Surfside Beach?
The median household income in Surfside Beach is $74,202.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Lee 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 Surfside Beach 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