Types of Disabilities in Madison
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Madison, affecting 12,182 residents (4.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 5,222 | 1.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 3,218 | 1.2% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 12,182 | 4.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 9,388 | 3.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 4,058 | 1.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 9,423 | 4.1% |
Need Help Filing in Wisconsin?
- Average wait time: 203 days
- Initial approval rate: 44%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Madison, 38.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,791 | 5.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 6,433 | 6.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 8,132 | 9.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 3,334 | 15.8% |
| 75 and over | 5,129 | 38.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 11,134 | 8.1% |
| Female | 13,746 | 10.0% |
Women in Madison have a higher disability rate (10.0%) compared to men (8.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 19,025 | 9.5% |
| Black or African American | 1,947 | 10.1% |
| Asian | 1,157 | 5.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,932 | 7.5% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Madison's median household income of $76,983 is above the county median ($72,873) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 6.6%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Madison
Madison residents in Winnebago County apply for SSDI through Wisconsin's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 44% |
| Hearing approval rate | 52% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 203 days |
With an initial approval rate of 44% in Wisconsin and an average wait of 203 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Wisconsin disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Madison
If you live in Madison 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 Madison have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 24,880 residents of Madison, Wisconsin have at least one disability, representing 9.1% of the population of 274,015.
What is the most common disability type in Madison?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 12,182 residents (4.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Wisconsin?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Wisconsin is approximately 44%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 52%. Average processing time is 203 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Madison?
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 Madison?
The median household income in Madison is $76,983.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Winnebago 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 Madison 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