How to Apply for A Disability Certificate

Disclaimer

The sample Disability Certificate application form provided below is only for illustrative and reference purposes and has been taken from the Government of Uttarakhand Disability Certificate Application format to help applicants understand the general nature of information required.

Each State/UT in India prescribes its own application form, medical authority, procedure, and documentation requirements for issuance of a Disability Certificate or UDID Card.

Applicants are advised to apply only through the official portal or prescribed form notified by their respective State/UT Government or the UDID portal.

What is a Disability Certificate

A Disability Certificate is an official document issued by the Government certifying that a person has a specified benchmark disability. It is used to claim statutory benefits, reservations, concessions, pensions, scholarships, insurance, travel benefits, and employment advantages.

At present, Disability Certificates are issued in the form of a UDID (Unique Disability ID) Card, valid across India.

Why a Disability Certificate is Required

• Reservation in education and employment
• Disability pension and social welfare schemes
• Travel concessions (rail/air/bus)
• Tax benefits and financial assistance
• Medical, insurance, and rehabilitation benefits
• No certificate = no benefits. Sympathy doesn't count. Documentation does.

How Disability Certificate Is Issued

Step 1: Medical Assessment

Assessment is done by a designated Government Medical Authority / Medical Board notified by the State/UT Government.

Step 2: Application Submission

Application can be submitted online or offline, depending on the state.

Step 3: Verification and Approval

Medical Board verifies the disability percentage and category.

Step 4: Certificate Issuance

Digitally signed UDID Disability Certificate is issued.

Online Procedure

• Visit the UDID Portal - https://www.swavlambancard.gov.in
• Register and fill out the Disability Certificate application
• Upload photo, ID proof, address proof, medical documents
• Select hospital/medical authority
• Download UDID Certificate after approval

Offline Procedure (State-wise)

• Visit Government Hospital / District Medical Board
• Obtain state-prescribed Disability Certificate Application form
• Attach medical records and ID proofs
• Appear before Medical Board
• Certificate issued physically or uploaded to UDID system

Documents Commonly Required

• Aadhaar card (or any government ID)
• Address proof
• Recent photographs
• Medical reports/prescriptions
• Hospital referral
• Exact document list may vary by state and disability type.

Types of Disability Covered

• Physical disabilities
• Intellectual disabilities
• Mental illness
• Sensory disabilities (hearing, vision)
• Multiple disabilities
• Only disabilities notified under law are eligible.

Fees and Validity

Application Fee: Free (across India)

Validity:

• Permanent disability - lifelong
• Temporary disability - validity mentioned on certificate

FAQs – Disability Certificate

1. Is Disability Certificate valid across India?

Yes. UDID Certificate is valid pan-India.

2. Can children apply for Disability Certificate?

Yes. Separate assessment norms apply.

3. Is private hospital certificate accepted?

No. Only Government-notified Medical Authorities are valid.

4. Can disability percentage be revised?

Yes, upon reassessment by Medical Board.

5. Is Aadhaar mandatory?

Preferred, but alternate government ID may be accepted.

6. What is benchmark disability?

Disability of 40% or more, as certified.

7. Can I track application status?

Yes, via UDID or state portal.