Understanding Disability in Union County
Union County in Tennessee has a disability rate of 21.5%, which is 8.5 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 19,983, 4,301 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Union County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 2,141 residents (11.3% of the population).
The median household income is $61,858, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.1%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Union County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Union County, affecting 2,141 residents (11.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,194 | 6.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 959 | 4.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,397 | 7.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,141 | 11.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 578 | 3.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,453 | 9.3% |
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- Average wait time: 206 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Union County, 59.2% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 10.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 330 | 10.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 170 | 4.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,179 | 26.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 821 | 35.3% |
| 75 and over | 801 | 59.2% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,166 | 21.8% |
| Female | 2,135 | 21.3% |
Males in Union County have a higher disability rate (21.8%) compared to females (21.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Union County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,164 | 21.8% |
| Black or African American | 3 | 3.4% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 24 | 5.4% |
Income & Poverty in Union County
The median household income in Union County is $61,858, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.1%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.2%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Tennessee
Union County residents apply for SSDI through the Tennessee Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Tennessee Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 40% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 17% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 58% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 206 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Union 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 Tennessee, where only 40% 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 Tennessee is 206 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 60% denial rate in Tennessee, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 58% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Union County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 21.5% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Union County has at least one disability, totaling 4,301 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Union County residents?
Union County residents apply through Tennessee's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 40%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 58%. Average processing takes 206 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Tennessee?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Tennessee is 206 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Union County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Tennessee, 58% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County is $61,858, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Union 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 Union 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