It is very important to obtain a Disability Certificate for your special needs child. It makes the child eligible for various benefits and Government schemes. However, there are some confusions e.g. process to obtain the disability certificate, what is UDID, if Disability Certificate and UDID are same, is it compulsory to obtain this certificate, etc. etc. This blog discusses about Disability Certificate in detail and will make you abreast with basic information about Disability Certificate including its importance. So, let’s begin with understanding about the Disability Certificate.
What is a Disability Certificate?
A Disability Certificate is issued to the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) that helps them to avail various facilities, concessions and benefits offered under various Government Schemes. Usually issued by the medical authorities, this certificate validates the type and extent of disability of a PwD. Further, a UDID card is also issued to a PwD that allows them to keep a single document for their identification and disability verification.
What is UDID?
A UDID or Unique Disability ID is issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. This card allows the PwD to keep a single document for their disability verification and identification. A PwD who has a UDID card need not maintain or carry multiple documents as this card captures all necessary details. This card is valid all over India. Also, it is compulsory for all States/UTs to grant Disability Certificates through online mode using the UDID portal.
Who is the issuing authority for this certificate?
The medical boards of respective states and districts issue a disability certificate to a PwD. This board comprises of a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or a Sub-Divisional Medical Officer in the district and a medical expert such as Audiologist, Psychiatrist, Ophthalmologist, Surgeons, etc.
What are the benefits of a Disability Certificate?
After the Disability Certificate is obtained by a PwD, he/she can avail various benefits depending upon the type and extent of disability. A host of benefits/concessions can be availed by a PwD only after he has obtained a Disability Certificate.
Some of these benefits are as follows:
- Income Tax Benefits
- Scholarships for students with disabilities
- Reservation in Government jobs
- Concession in railway fare
- Subsidised loan for starting a business
- Free travel facility in some states transportation
- Group insurance applicable for government employees with disabilities
- Unemployment allowance
- Subsidy while buying vehicles
- Subsidy for assistive devices and prosthetic aids
Who can apply for a Disability Certificate?
Any person who has been assessed with 40% or more disability can obtain a Disability Certificate.
As per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, who is a Person with Disability (PwD)?
As per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, a PwD is an individual with one or more of the disabilities mentioned below.
Read about Process to obtain Disability Certificate
Read Disability Certificate FAQs