Disability News and Statistics for the United States
Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 31 Oct 2026
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics
Synopsis
Disability news, facts, statistics, rules, and laws for the United States and the Americas, including data on veterans and Activities of Daily Living support.
At a Glance
- 1 - The number of U.S. adults reporting a disability rose by 3.4 million between 1999 and 2005.
- 2 - The Social Security Administration estimates that more than 1 in 4 of today's 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching age 67.
- 3 - About 7,092,000 people, or 2.7% of the U.S. population aged 5 and over, have difficulty with self-care Activities of Daily Living such as dressing or bathing.
- 4 - In 2008, an estimated 16.9 percent of non-institutionalized civilian veterans aged 21 to 64 reported having a VA service-connected disability.
Topic Definition
- Disability in the United States
Disability in the United States describes the broad population of people whose physical, sensory, cognitive, or self-care abilities are limited in ways that affect daily life. Recent figures put the number at roughly 39,395,000 people, or about 14.8 percent of the population aged 5 and over, a group that has been steadily growing over the years. It covers a wide spectrum, from those who manage day to day with few accommodations to the millions who need help with Activities of Daily Living such as dressing, bathing, or moving around the home. The picture also extends to specific groups like military veterans, many of whom carry service-connected disabilities, and it touches on the financial side of disability, since a large share of private sector workers hold no long-term disability insurance. Taken together, these facts, statistics, and the laws built around them shape how disability is understood and supported across the country.
Overview
Today an estimated 39,395,000 people in the United States had a disability, or 14.8% of the population age 5 and over. The number of U.S. adults reporting a disability increased by 3.4 million between 1999 and 2005. 12.1% of the U.S. Adult Population Aged 21-64 Years Reported a Disability in 2008.
In addition, an estimated 7,092,000 people, or 2.7% of the U.S. population 5 and over, have difficulty performing self-care activities, also known as Activities of Daily Living, such as dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home.
The Social Security Administration estimates that more than 1 in 4 of today's 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching 67 and also reports 69% of the private sector work force has no long-term disability insurance. Essentially, 7 out of 10 workers would have to rely on their own personal savings, limited state-run insurance or Social Security for replacement income in the event they could not work because of a disability.
U.S. Disability Statistics
- U.S. Disability Statistics by State, County, City, and Age
- Number of Americans with Disability by Age and Type
- U.S. Life Expectancy Statistics Chart by States
- Disability in America Infographic
Disabled U.S. Veterans
In the year 2008, an estimated 16.9 percent (plus or minus 0.20 percentage points) of non-institutionalized civilian veterans aged 21 to 64 years reported having a VA service-connected disability in the United States. In other words, 2,217,000 out of 13,102,700 non-institutionalized civilian veterans aged 21 to 64 years reported having a VA service-connected disability in the United States in 2008 (U.S. Veteran Facts and Statistics).
- See our Veteran News: Information and Assistance Programs - which provides health and disability news for veterans from around the world.
- Also see: Disability Information and Statistics for Central America and Mexico - Disability information and statistics for Mexico and the seven countries that make up Central America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a disability in the United States?
A disability generally refers to a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and it can range from mobility and sensory limitations to cognitive and self-care difficulties.
Why is the number of Americans with disabilities increasing?
Growth is influenced by factors such as an aging population, longer life expectancy, and better reporting and diagnosis, all of which raise the recorded number of people living with a disability.
What are Activities of Daily Living?
Activities of Daily Living are basic self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, and getting around inside the home, and difficulty with them is often used to measure the level of support a person needs.
Do most American workers have long-term disability insurance?
No, a large share of the private sector workforce has no long-term disability coverage, meaning many workers would rely on savings, state programs, or Social Security if they could not work.
What benefits are available for people with disabilities in the United States?
Support can include Social Security disability programs, state-run insurance, and services for veterans, though eligibility and amounts vary by individual circumstances.
How does disability affect U.S. veterans?
Many veterans carry service-connected disabilities linked to their military service, and dedicated programs provide health care, compensation, and assistance tailored to their needs.
Where can I find disability statistics by state or age?
Detailed breakdowns are available by state, county, city, age, and disability type, allowing users to compare data across regions and demographic groups.
What law protects the rights of Americans with disabilities?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 also protects people with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding.
Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team. Last updated: