Types of Disabilities in Newport News
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Newport News, affecting 12,629 residents (7.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 6,203 | 3.6% |
| Vision difficulty | 4,637 | 2.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 10,767 | 6.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 12,629 | 7.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 4,616 | 2.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 7,384 | 5.6% |
Need Help Filing in Virginia?
- Average wait time: 189 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Newport News, 51.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.8% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,635 | 8.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 3,744 | 8.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 9,980 | 16.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 3,973 | 26.9% |
| 75 and over | 5,042 | 51.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 11,293 | 13.8% |
| Female | 14,155 | 15.2% |
Women in Newport News have a higher disability rate (15.2%) compared to men (13.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 11,609 | 15.9% |
| Black or African American | 10,103 | 13.9% |
| Asian | 698 | 12.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2,086 | 11.6% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Newport News's median household income of $66,718 is below the county median ($69,500) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 11.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Newport News
Newport News residents in Northumberland County apply for SSDI through Virginia's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 42% |
| Hearing approval rate | 48% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 189 days |
With an initial approval rate of 42% in Virginia and an average wait of 189 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Virginia disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Newport News
If you live in Newport News 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 Newport News have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 25,448 residents of Newport News, Virginia have at least one disability, representing 14.6% of the population of 174,667.
What is the most common disability type in Newport News?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 12,629 residents (7.8%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Virginia?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Virginia is approximately 42%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 48%. Average processing time is 189 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Newport News?
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 Newport News?
The median household income in Newport News is $66,718.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Northumberland 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 Newport News 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