There are disabled individuals across the country. Regardless of the state in which an individual lives, he or she will apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
There are many factors that go into being awarded disability benefits, so the process can vary slightly from one state to the next. The states with the highest populations have the most people receiving disability benefits. Those totals are different in comparison to the highest proportion of people.
The States with the Highest Proportion of Recipients
West Virginia leads the states with 8.6 percent of the population from ages to 18 to 64 being disabled and receiving disability benefits. That is more than 90,000 people, so if you are considering applying for disability you are not alone.
There are resources available to help you apply for disability benefits and maneuver the process, which can be complex. There are 16 SSA field offices scattered throughout the state ranging from locations in Huntington and Morgantown to Welch and Wheeling.
The Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review set and conduct hearings and determine the outcome of disability claims. The offices in West Virginia are in Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown. If your claim reaches the hearing level, your hearing will be held at the office nearest you.
The next state in the rankings is Alabama. In Alabama, 8 percent of the population between the ages of 18 and 64 are disabled and beneficiaries of the disability program. That is slightly more than 236,000 people. If you are in Alabama and are applying for disability benefits, you have resources available.
There are 22 field offices throughout the state and there are four offices of Disability Adjudication and Review that handle hearings. The Offices of Disability Determination Services are located in Birmingham and Mobile. Disability claim decisions are based on medical records, psychological and medical evidence, continuing disability review, and the applicant statement.
Looking at other states, Arkansas has 7.9 percent of the population between 18 and 64 disabled and receiving benefits. That is 140,000 people. In Mississippi, 7.5 percent of residents ages 18 to 64 are disabled and receiving disability benefits, which accounts for 130,000 people.
Next in the rankings based on proportion is the state of Maine, which has 7.4 percent of the population receiving disability benefits, which is more than 59,000 people. These states also have resources with field offices, Offices of Disability Determination Services, and Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review.
Related: Top 5 best states to apply for disability benefits in 2023
Connect with a Professional That Handles Cases in Your Area
If you are considering applying for disability benefits, do not do it alone. Disability claims are challenging, and you may benefit greatly by having an attorney representing you. Claimants who are represented by disability lawyers may be more likely to have their disability claims approved. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details of your disability claim with an attorney who represents those in your area.
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