Understanding Disability in Caledonia County
Caledonia County in Vermont has a disability rate of 17.7%, which is 4.7 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 30,172, 5,338 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Caledonia County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 2,401 residents (8.3% of the population).
The median household income is $66,075, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.2%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Caledonia County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Caledonia County, affecting 2,401 residents (8.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,814 | 6.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,056 | 3.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,401 | 8.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,925 | 6.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 847 | 2.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,659 | 6.8% |
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- Average wait time: 123 days
- Initial approval rate: 46%
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Disability by Age Group
In Caledonia County, 52.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 295 | 6.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 830 | 14.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,763 | 14.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,133 | 26.4% |
| 75 and over | 1,282 | 52.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,857 | 18.8% |
| Female | 2,481 | 16.6% |
Males in Caledonia County have a higher disability rate (18.8%) compared to females (16.6%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Caledonia County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,872 | 17.3% |
| Black or African American | 48 | 19.2% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 126 | 20.5% |
Income & Poverty in Caledonia County
The median household income in Caledonia County is $66,075, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.2%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 1.6%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Vermont
Caledonia County residents apply for SSDI through the Vermont Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Vermont Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 46% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 17% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 54% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 123 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Caledonia 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 Vermont, where only 46% 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 Vermont is 123 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 54% denial rate in Vermont, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 54% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Caledonia County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 17.7% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Caledonia County has at least one disability, totaling 5,338 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Caledonia County residents?
Caledonia County residents apply through Vermont's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 46%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 54%. Average processing takes 123 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Vermont?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Vermont is 123 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Caledonia County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Vermont, 54% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Caledonia County?
The median household income in Caledonia County is $66,075, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Caledonia County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Caledonia County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Caledonia 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