How to Apply for a Disability Certificate in India?

A Disability Certificate in India is an official document provided by a government-recognised medical board. It certifies that a person has a particular type and percentage of disability. This certificate is essential for persons with disabilities (PwDs) as it helps them access various government benefits. These include education and job reservations, financial support, and healthcare facilities. The certificate is issued under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which aims to protect and empower people with disabilities across the country. In this blog, you will learn how to apply for a disability certificate in India.

What is a Disability Certificate?

A Disability Certificate in India is an essential document issued by a certified government medical board. It officially verifies the type and percentage of disability a person has. This certificate is crucial for persons with disabilities (PwDs) as it enables them to access various government benefits and support services. The process for obtaining this certificate has become more convenient through the Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal. The system is now entirely digital, reducing paperwork and processing time.

Types of Disabilities Recognised in India

Below are the 21 types of disabilities recognised in India under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016:

1. Blindness: A person with a total absence of sight or extremely limited vision in both eyes falls under this category. The condition must not improve with corrective devices.
2. Low Vision: This includes individuals who can see partially but not clearly even after treatment or with glasses. The impairment affects daily activities.
3. Locomotor Disability: This refers to a loss or restriction of movement in limbs or parts of the body. It includes paralysis, amputation, or deformity in bones or joints.
4. Leprosy Cured Persons: People who have been cured of leprosy but face residual physical issues such as loss of sensation, disfigurement, or disability in hands or feet.
5. Cerebral Palsy: This condition results from brain damage in early childhood. It affects body movement, posture, muscle coordination, and sometimes speech.
6. Dwarfism: A person with a height of 4 feet 10 inches or less due to genetic or medical reasons falls in this category. It affects growth and sometimes joint movement. A male person of height 3 feet 8 inches or less height and a female of height 3 feet 3 inches or less.
7. Muscular Dystrophy: A genetic disorder that causes gradual muscle weakening and loss of strength. It often affects mobility and physical endurance.
8. Acid Attack Victims: This includes people who suffer disfigurement, vision loss, or restricted mobility due to acid burns. The disability may be physical or psychological.
9. Autism Spectrum Disorder: A neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behaviour, and social interaction. It covers various symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
10. Intellectual Disability: This includes low mental ability, poor adaptive behaviour, and difficulty in learning or problem-solving. It appears during the developmental stage.
11. Specific Learning Disabilities: Affects the ability to read, write, calculate, or understand symbols. Common forms include dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
12. Speech and Language Disability: This refers to a permanent difficulty in speaking or understanding language. It may result from birth, injury, or disease.
13. Hearing Impairment (Deaf): This includes individuals who cannot hear completely or whose hearing is severely affected even with aids. It causes communication challenges.
14. Hearing Impairment (Hard of Hearing): People with partial hearing loss fall under this group. They can hear with difficulty and may depend on devices for support.
15. Visual Impairment: This combines both blindness and low vision. It refers to significant vision loss that affects normal functioning.
16. Mental Illness: This includes disorders that affect thinking, emotions, mood, or behaviour. Common examples are schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
17. Disability due to Chronic Neurological Conditions: This refers to long-term conditions that damage the brain or nerves, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
18. Disability due to Blood Disorders: It covers genetic and chronic conditions like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and haemophilia. These affect blood cells or clotting ability.
19. Multiple Disabilities (Including Deafblindness): A person with two or more types of disabilities from different categories, such as vision and hearing loss, qualifies under this head.
20. Parkinson’s Disease: This is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It develops slowly and worsens over time.
21. Haemophilia: This is a genetic disorder that prevents normal blood clotting. Even small injuries may cause excessive bleeding and joint damage.

Who Can Apply For a Disability Certificate?

Below is a list of entities that can apply for a Disability certificate:

1. Individuals with 40% or More Disability

A person qualifies for a Disability Certificate only if the medical assessment confirms at least 40% disability. This minimum threshold applies across all officially recognised disability types. The medical board uses specific guidelines to measure the extent of the condition. The certificate enables access to reservations, financial aid, and other support systems.

2. Indian Citizens and Legal Residents

Only Indian citizens or persons who legally reside in India can apply. The applicant needs to provide valid documents for identity and address. These documents include Aadhaar, Voter ID, or other official government-issued identification. The residence does not need to be permanent; a current local address is enough.

3. People with Disabilities Listed Under the RPwD Act, 2016

The law recognises 21 specific categories of disabilities. These include physical disabilities such as blindness, low vision, locomotor issues; intellectual disabilities like autism and Down syndrome; and mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Neurological and blood-related disorders such as multiple sclerosis and thalassemia are also included. The condition must match the definitions and criteria laid out in the official guidelines.

4. Children with Disabilities

Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of a child who shows signs of a qualifying disability. The child must undergo medical evaluation, and the condition must have a long-term or permanent impact. The certificate helps access special education programs, scholarships, and other child-specific support services.

5. Persons with Temporary Disabilities

If a disability results from a recent injury or medical condition and does not qualify as permanent, the applicant may be eligible to receive a temporary certificate. The medical board mentions a specific validity period. Once the period ends, the applicant must attend a re-evaluation to confirm the status and extent of the condition. The certificate remains valid only during the stated time.

6. Persons Requiring High Support Needs

Some individuals need regular assistance in daily activities due to the severity of their disability. These applicants can seek a Disability Certificate that confirms their high-support requirement. This status helps access personal care attendants, mobility aids, and rehabilitation services under government schemes.

7. Migrants and Inter-State Residents

A person who moves from one state to another for work, treatment, or education can apply in the district of their current residence. The applicant must provide proof of local stay, such as a rent agreement or utility bill. Permanent address proof from another state does not disqualify the application.

Documents Required for a Disability Certificate

Listed below are the documents required for a disability certificate in India:

• Colour Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, clear photo in JPEG/PNG format, typically 5–100 KB .
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN, Voter ID, or Driving Licence.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar, Driving Licence, Ration Card, or State Domicile Certificate are accepted
• Existing Disability Certificate (if applicable): It is required for renewal, transfer, or reassessment requests.
• Medical Diagnosis Report: A record from a government hospital or recognised specialist confirming the type and extent of disability.
• Signature or Thumb Impression (Optional): A digital copy, if available, but not mandatory
• Income Proof / Caste Certificate (where applicable) needed for certain schemes or reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC).

How to Apply for a Disability Certificate in India

Below is the step-by-step process to apply for a disability certificate in India:

Step 1: Visit the UDID Portal

Go to the official Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal. Select the option to apply for a new Disability Certificate and UDID card. This portal is managed under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Step 2: Create a New Registration

Fill in your basic details such as full name, date of birth, gender, Aadhaar number, and mobile number. Set a password for your account. Complete the Aadhaar-based authentication process, which is now mandatory.

Step 3: Fill in the Online Application Form

Enter personal details, disability information, education level, occupation, and family income. Provide details about your disability type as per the RPwD Act. Select the nearest medical authority for assessment from the dropdown list.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Attach clear scanned copies of all required documents as mentioned above. Make sure all files meet the portal’s size and format guidelines.

Step 5: Submit the Application

After reviewing the filled details, apply. The system sends your request to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or the designated government hospital in your district. You receive an acknowledgement number for tracking.

Step 6: Attend Medical Board Evaluation

You receive an SMS or email from the medical board with the date and place for evaluation. Visit the assigned hospital or CMO office for the physical and clinical assessment. A team of specialists checks your condition and determines the percentage of disability based on standard medical guidelines.

Step 7: Medical Board Gives Recommendation

After the evaluation, the medical authority enters its recommendation on the UDID system. The board mentions the disability type, percentage, and whether the condition is permanent or temporary. The system processes the recommendation for approval.

Step 8: Track Application Status

Visit the same portal and use the "Track Application Status" option. Enter your registration number, Aadhaar number, or mobile number. The system shows the real-time progress of your application.

Step 9: Receive Disability Certificate and UDID Card

Once approved, you receive a digital Disability Certificate and a Unique Disability ID card. You can download both from your login panel on the portal. The certificate serves as official proof and helps access various government benefits and schemes.

Step 10: Get Physical UDID Card by Post

The district office prints and dispatches the physical UDID card to your registered address. Delivery usually takes a few weeks. You can use this card for identity verification and proof of disability across India.

Validity of the Disability Certificate

In India, the validity of a disability certificate depends on the type of disability a person has. If the disability is permanent, the certificate remains valid for a lifetime. There is no need for renewal in such cases. However, if the disability is temporary, the certificate is usually valid for five years. After five years, the individual must appear for a fresh medical examination. The medical board assesses the condition again and issues a new certificate if the person still qualifies.

Benefits of Having a Disability Certificate

Here are the benefits of having a Disability Certificate in India:

1. Serves as a National Proof of Disability

A Disability Certificate, along with the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, acts as a single valid proof of disability across India. It replaces the need for separate certificates in different states or departments. All government and private bodies accept this certificate for verification.

2. Grants Access to Government Schemes

The certificate allows entry to several central and state-level welfare schemes. These include monthly disability pensions, housing benefits, financial support for caregivers, and grants for self-employment. Ministries link these schemes directly to the UDID database for quick access.

3. Provides Educational Support

Students with disabilities receive fee concessions, free textbooks, and assistive learning devices. Many universities and boards offer extra time, separate seating, or the option to use a scribe during exams. The certificate ensures these benefits without extra paperwork.

4. Enables Travel Concessions

The Ministry of Railways provides up to 75% fare concessions for persons with disabilities. State transport services also offer free or discounted travel in buses. The certificate must be shown at the time of ticket booking.

5. Reduces the Need for Repetitive Documentation

Once the certificate is issued, a person no longer needs to submit multiple documents for different services. Government departments access the verified details through the UDID portal. This ensures faster and simpler processing.

6. Qualifies for Income Tax Benefits

The Income Tax Act allows deductions under Sections 80U and 80DD. Persons with disabilities and their family members can claim these deductions after submitting the certificate. The deduction amount depends on the percentage of disability.

7. Ensures Job Reservation and Promotion Benefits

Government and public sector jobs reserve at least 4% of vacancies for persons with benchmark disabilities. The certificate proves eligibility for these reservations. It also ensures fair consideration during promotions and transfers.

8. Allows Use of Assistive Devices and Aids

Under the ADIP scheme, certified individuals receive assistive devices like hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and learning tools. These are either free or available at subsidised rates. The certificate must match the device type.

9. Supports Skill Development and Training

Government skill development missions offer training programs specially designed for persons with disabilities. These include soft skills, computer training, and technical education. The certificate helps candidates enrol without additional eligibility tests.

10. Ensures Protection under Disability Rights Law

The certificate confirms legal recognition under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This ensures protection against discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and public access. It also enables grievance redressal under official forums.

Conclusion

A disability certificate plays a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities. It provides official recognition of their condition and ensures access to essential services, government schemes, and legal rights. This certificate supports a life of dignity, inclusion, and independence. Eligible persons should apply through the proper channel to receive the benefits they deserve. Access to education, healthcare, employment, and social support becomes easier with a valid disability certificate in place. If you have any type of queries regarding the application process, contact Online Legal India to get valuable assistance.