Disability Certificate : Eligibility, Benefits, Types and How to Apply

The Disability Certificate is a document that serves as proof of a person's disability. It may also be referred to as the PwD certificate, PH certificate, or handicap certificate. This certificate, along with an identity card, is crucial for individuals with disabilities of more than 40%. It enables them to access various facilities, benefits, and concessions available under different schemes.

Defining Disability

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines disability as "an umbrella term covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions." An impairment refers to a problem in body function or structure. An activity limitation indicates a difficulty an individual faces in executing a task or action. Participation restriction describes challenges an individual encounters in engaging in life situations.

Disability is not merely a health issue; it is a complex phenomenon that reflects the interaction between a person's physical features and the societal environment in which they live. In India, the Persons with Disabilities Act (PWD Act) is a significant law that outlines the various disabilities recognized by the Indian government. It also clearly defines each disability.

Read about the Act here.

The Disability Certificate is not a mandatory document but is highly beneficial for PwD.

Types of Disabilities Included

The PWD Act specifies which disabilities are covered under the Disabled certificate. Initially, the 1995 version of the Act included only seven disabilities. However, a significant change in 2016 expanded this list to include 21 disabilities. These include:

• Blindness

• Low vision

• Locomotor disability

• Hearing impairment

• Mental retardation

• Mental illness

• Leprosy

• Cerebral Palsy

• Dwarfism

• Muscular dystrophy

• Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

• Deafness

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Parkinson’s disease

• Haemophilia

• Thalassemia

• Sickle cell disease

• Multiple disabilities (any two or more disabilities)

• Acid Attack Survivors

  
  

Understanding Disabilities

1. Physical Impairment: This refers to a limitation in physical functioning.

2. Locomotor Disability: This is the inability to perform specific movements related to moving oneself and objects due to musculoskeletal or nervous system issues.

3. A person who has been cured of leprosy but still experiences limitations is referred to as a “leprosy cured person.”

4. Cerebral Palsy: A group of non-progressive neurological conditions that affect movement and muscle coordination.

5. Dwarfism: A medical or genetic condition resulting in an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters) or less.

6. Muscular Dystrophy: A group of inherited muscle diseases that weaken the muscles responsible for movement.

7. Acid Attack Victims: Individuals who have suffered physical harm from acid or caustic chemical attacks.

   
   

Permanent and Temporary Disabilities

Individuals with both permanent and temporary disabilities can obtain a Disability Certificate.

• A Permanent Disability is one that does not change over time, such as limb amputations.

• A Temporary Disability may vary and can resolve over time, such as a broken limb or loss of speech due to an accident.

  
  

The Disability Certificate for a temporary disability must be renewed every five years, while a permanent disability certificate is valid for life.

Importance of the Disability Certificate

The Disability Certificate is crucial for individuals with disabilities. It allows them to access benefits and facilities they are entitled to from Central and State Government bodies. Various services and schemes are available, which may differ from one state to another. However, some schemes are provided by the Centre.

Benefits, Schemes, and Facilities for PwD

Here are a few benefits available to individuals with disabilities:

1. Income tax deductions (under section 80U)

2. Travel concessions for railway fares and airlines (Government airlines)

3. Disability pensions under the Gandhi National Disability Scheme

4. Subsidies for medical aids or prosthetics, such as wheelchairs

5. Employment quotas within government jobs for PwD

6. Free education for children aged 6 to 12 years

7. Scholarship schemes for students with disabilities

8. Conveyance allowances for central government employees with disabilities

9. Increased allowances under PDS (ration) schemes

10. Preference in land allotment and housing schemes

11. Filing complaints before the Commissioner for Disabilities for rights violations under the 1995 Act.

The concessions and allowances may depend on individual income, degree of disability, etc. It is essential to review these details carefully before applying for the schemes.

Eligibility for the Disability Certificate

To obtain the Disability Certificate, an individual must:

1. Be an Indian citizen.

2. Have a valid medical report indicating the type and severity of the disability.

3. Have a recognized disability.

   
   

All 21 disabilities mentioned under the PWD Act, 2016, are included.

Authorized Issuers of the Certificate

In India, the Disability Certificate is typically issued by medical authorities or boards. The individual with a disability or their parent must visit an authorized medical center or hospital to request the certificate.

To simplify and decentralize the issuance of the Disability Certificate, a multi-tier system was established in 2009. This allows individuals not to rely solely on the Medical Board. Depending on the type of disability, a medical certificate can be obtained from Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Sub-Divisional hospitals, a single specialist, or a multi-member board.

The medical authority assesses the individual's disability as prescribed by the Act and provides relevant information, including the type and severity percentage of the disability for processing the Disability Certificate.

Read about the multi-tier medical authorities here.

A person can apply for the Disability Certificate in person or online. A YouTube video can guide how to apply for the certificate online. Check the online link here.

More details on places to visit to get the certificate and medical letter here.

Validity and Guidelines

Validity

The Disability Certificate has lifelong validity when issued to a disabled person above the age of 18. For disabled children under 18, the certificate must be updated every five years. No fresh medical examination is necessary for permanent disabilities. However, individuals with temporary disabilities must update their certificate every five years.

The Disability Certificate should be issued within seven days from the date of application receipt, but no later than one month.

Guidelines

The Government has provided guidelines to ease the process of obtaining the Disability Certificate:

1. Specific days in a week/month may be fixed for issuing certificates.

2. Camps may be held at the taluka/block level for issuing Disability Certificates.

3. Camps may be linked with other programs, such as rural development and poverty alleviation.

4. A specific timeframe for issuing Disability Certificates may be established.

5. Challenges in issuing certificates for individuals with mental retardation due to a lack of specialists may be addressed by including private practitioners in the Medical Board.

6. No fees should be charged to individuals with disabilities for issuing the Disability Certificate.

   
   

The Disability Certificate is valid across the country. Previously, the concessions and schemes of the state where the certificate was issued were only applicable. This changed with the amendment to The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Disability Certificates will soon be replaced by Unique Disability ID Cards in India. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will launch a centralized database of disabled persons and issue Unique Disabled Identity (UDID) cards. (More details here or here).

Once PwD receives the Disability Certificate, they can pursue the available concessions. Unfortunately, the paperwork can be lengthy and complicated. The Indian Government has been issuing notices to various government bodies to streamline processes for PwD, making them as easy and least taxing as possible.

Useful Links

1. Punarbhava

2. Vikaspedia

   
   

Guidelines: Click here

1. The Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities is the government agency responsible for implementing the Persons with Disabilities Act.

2. The Association of People with Disabilities is a national organization dedicated to empowering disabled individuals.

   
   

We hope this article was informative. If you have any comments or queries, please leave us a few lines. Subscribe to stay updated with the latest information about disability through our Disabilities Scheme blog articles.

FAQ Section

1. What is a Disability Certificate in India?

A Disability Certificate is a government-issued document proving a person’s disability status and eligibility for government benefits.

2. Who can apply for a Disability Certificate?

Any Indian citizen with a recognized disability under the RPWD Act can apply.

3. What is the minimum disability percentage required?

Usually, 40% disability or more is required for benefits.

4. Is the Disability Certificate valid across India?

Yes, it is valid nationwide under the RPWD Act 2016.

5. Can I apply for a Disability Certificate online?

Yes, applications can be submitted through the official UDID portal.

6. What documents are needed for Disability Certificate application?

Medical reports, identity proof, address proof, photographs, and Aadhaar card are generally required.

7. What is the UDID Card?

UDID stands for Unique Disability ID Card issued by the Government of India.

8. How long is the Disability Certificate valid?

Permanent certificates are lifelong, while temporary disabilities may require renewal every five years.

9. Are mental illnesses covered under disability certificates?

Yes, recognized mental illnesses are covered under the RPWD Act 2016.

10. What benefits can PwD receive using the Disability Certificate?

Benefits include tax deductions, scholarships, pensions, travel concessions, employment reservations, and healthcare support.