Understanding Disability in Mellette County
Mellette County in South Dakota has a disability rate of 12.1%, which is 0.9 percentage points below the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 1,997, 241 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Mellette County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 157 residents (8.5% of the population).
The median household income is $51,364, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 30.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Mellette County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Mellette County, affecting 157 residents (8.5% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 69 | 3.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 49 | 2.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 63 | 3.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 157 | 8.5% |
| Self-care difficulty | 54 | 2.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 106 | 7.8% |
Need Help Filing in South Dakota?
- Average wait time: 174 days
- Initial approval rate: 41%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Mellette County, 52.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 1.8% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 9 | 1.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 7 | 1.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 116 | 17.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 64 | 32.2% |
| 75 and over | 45 | 52.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 94 | 9.9% |
| Female | 147 | 14.1% |
Females in Mellette County have a higher disability rate (14.1%) compared to males (9.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Mellette County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 57 | 9.0% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7 | 100.0% |
Income & Poverty in Mellette County
The median household income in Mellette County is $51,364, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 30.9%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 7.7%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in South Dakota
Mellette County residents apply for SSDI through the South Dakota Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | South Dakota Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 41% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 16% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 52% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 174 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Mellette 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 South Dakota, where only 41% 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 South Dakota is 174 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 59% denial rate in South Dakota, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 52% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Mellette County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 12.1% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Mellette County has at least one disability, totaling 241 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Mellette County residents?
Mellette County residents apply through South Dakota's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 41%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 52%. Average processing takes 174 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in South Dakota?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in South Dakota is 174 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Mellette County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In South Dakota, 52% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Mellette County?
The median household income in Mellette County is $51,364, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Mellette County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Mellette 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 Mellette 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