Types of Disabilities in Big Sandy
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Big Sandy, affecting 103 residents (19.1% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 25 | 4.2% |
| Vision difficulty | 40 | 6.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 70 | 13.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 103 | 19.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 24 | 4.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 45 | 10.7% |
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- Average wait time: 206 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Big Sandy, 54.8% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 21.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 25 | 21.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 1 | 0.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 80 | 43.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 18 | 30.5% |
| 75 and over | 34 | 54.8% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 91 | 30.4% |
| Female | 67 | 23.1% |
Men in Big Sandy have a higher disability rate (30.4%) compared to women (23.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 158 | 27.5% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | N/A |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Big Sandy's median household income of $43,036 is below the county median ($50,381) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 16.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Big Sandy
Big Sandy residents in Unicoi County apply for SSDI through Tennessee's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 40% |
| Hearing approval rate | 58% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 206 days |
With an initial approval rate of 40% in Tennessee and an average wait of 206 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Tennessee disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Big Sandy
If you live in Big Sandy 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 Big Sandy have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 158 residents of Big Sandy, Tennessee have at least one disability, representing 26.8% of the population of 589.
What is the most common disability type in Big Sandy?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 103 residents (19.1%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Tennessee?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Tennessee is approximately 40%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 58%. Average processing time is 206 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Big Sandy?
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 Big Sandy?
The median household income in Big Sandy is $43,036.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Unicoi 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 Big Sandy 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