Understanding Disability in Bell County
Bell County in Texas has a disability rate of 15.0%, which is 2.0 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 355,364, 53,445 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Bell County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 23,980 residents (7.4% of the population).
The median household income is $66,051, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.3%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Bell County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Bell County, affecting 23,980 residents (7.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 15,184 | 4.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 10,479 | 2.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 23,980 | 7.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 23,740 | 7.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 10,189 | 3.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 16,787 | 6.7% |
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- Average wait time: 380 days
- Initial approval rate: 35%
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Disability by Age Group
In Bell County, 54.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 6,412 | 8.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 8,500 | 10.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 21,614 | 17.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 7,912 | 29.6% |
| 75 and over | 8,611 | 54.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 26,678 | 15.8% |
| Female | 26,767 | 14.4% |
Males in Bell County have a higher disability rate (15.8%) compared to females (14.4%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Bell County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 29,834 | 16.2% |
| Black or African American | 12,317 | 15.0% |
| Asian | 876 | 8.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 11,171 | 12.1% |
Income & Poverty in Bell County
The median household income in Bell County is $66,051, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.3%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 4.3%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Texas
Bell County residents apply for SSDI through the Texas Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Texas Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 35% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 15% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 50% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 380 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Bell 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 Texas, where only 35% 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 Texas is 380 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 65% denial rate in Texas, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 50% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Bell County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 15.0% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Bell County has at least one disability, totaling 53,445 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Bell County residents?
Bell County residents apply through Texas's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 35%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 50%. Average processing takes 380 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Texas?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Texas is 380 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Bell County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Texas, 50% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Bell County?
The median household income in Bell County is $66,051, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Bell County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Bell 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 Bell 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