Disability Certificate (UDID Card) — How to Apply Online in India

What is a Disability Certificate?

A Disability Certificate is an official document issued by a government medical board certifying the type and percentage of disability of a person. It is the primary document required to avail benefits and concessions available to Persons with Disabilities (PwD) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

The government has introduced the UDID (Unique Disability ID) Card — a universal ID for all PwD in India — which is now the standard disability certificate. The UDID card contains:

• Unique disability ID number
• Name and photograph
• Type and percentage of disability
• Validity period
• QR code for verification

Types of Disabilities Covered

The RPwD Act, 2016 recognizes 21 types of disabilities:

Physical Disabilities

1. Blindness
2. Low vision
3. Hearing impairment (deaf and hard of hearing)
4. Speech and language disability
5. Locomotor disability
6. Muscular dystrophy
7. Leprosy cured
8. Dwarfism
9. Cerebral palsy
10. Acid attack victims

Intellectual Disabilities

11. Autism spectrum disorder
12. Intellectual disability (mental retardation)
13. Specific learning disabilities (dyslexia, etc.)

Mental Disabilities

14. Mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.)

Disability Due to Chronic Conditions

15. Chronic neurological conditions (Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis)
16. Blood disorders (haemophilia, thalassemia, sickle cell)
17. Multiple disabilities (combination of two or more)

Others

18-21. Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, haemophilia, thalassemia, sickle cell disease

Eligibility

• Any person with 40% or more disability (benchmark disability) is eligible for the certificate
• Disability must be assessed by a government medical board
• No age restriction — applicable from birth
• Both permanent and temporary disabilities can be certified
• Indian citizens as well as residents

Benefits of Disability Certificate / UDID Card

• Government job reservation — 4% reservation in government posts
• Educational concessions — Fee waiver, scholarships, reservations — see our National Scholarship Portal guide
• Income tax deduction — Under Section 80U (₹75,000 for 40-79% disability; ₹1,25,000 for 80%+ disability)
• Travel concessions — Railway, air, and road transport discounts
• Free/subsidized assistive devices — Hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics
• Pension schemes — State disability pensions
• Skill development — Under PM Daksh, DDRS schemes
• Land allotment — Priority in government housing/land schemes
• Business concessions — Under Stand Up India and MSME schemes

How to Apply for UDID Card Online

Step 1: Register on UDID Portal

1. Visit swavlambancard.gov.in
2. Click "Apply for Disability Certificate and UDID Card"
3. Fill the registration form:
   • Personal details — Name, date of birth, gender, Aadhaar
   • Address — Current and permanent
   • Disability details — Type of disability
   • Contact — Mobile number and email
4. Upload:
   • Passport-size photograph
   • Aadhaar card — see our Aadhaar guide
   • Medical documents (previous reports, prescriptions)
5. Submit and note the enrollment number

Step 2: Medical Assessment

1. After online submission, you receive an appointment date for medical assessment
2. Visit the designated government hospital/medical board
3. The medical board (typically 3 specialists) assesses:
   • Type of disability
   • Percentage of disability
   • Whether disability is permanent or temporary
4. Board may conduct medical tests, physical examination, and psychological assessment
5. Board prepares the disability assessment report

Step 3: Certificate and UDID Card Issuance

1. Based on the medical board's assessment:
   • If disability is 40% or above — Certificate and UDID card are issued
   • If disability is below 40% — Certificate may be issued with the percentage noted, but benchmark disability benefits won't apply
2. UDID card is generated online and can be downloaded
3. Physical card may be sent by post or collected from the district office

Offline Application Process

1. Visit the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or Civil Surgeon's office in your district
2. Fill the disability certificate application form
3. Submit:
   • Aadhaar card copy
   • Photographs (4 copies)
   • Medical reports (if any)
   • Address proof
4. Get a date for medical board assessment
5. Attend the medical board at the government hospital
6. Collect the certificate after assessment (7-30 days)

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card (mandatory for UDID)
• Passport-size photographs (4-6 copies)
• Medical reports — Previous diagnosis, treatment records, prescriptions
• Hospital records — Admission/discharge summaries
• X-rays, MRI, or scan reports (if applicable)
• Address proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill
• Birth certificate (for children)
• School records (for learning disabilities)

Processing Time

Validity and Renewal

• Permanent disability — Certificate is valid for life (no renewal needed)
• Temporary disability — Valid for the period specified by the medical board (typically 1-5 years)
• Renewal — Apply through the UDID portal with updated medical reports before expiry
• Reassessment — Can request reassessment if disability percentage changes

How to Check UDID Card Status

1. Visit swavlambancard.gov.in
2. Click "Track Your Application"
3. Enter your enrollment number or Aadhaar number
4. View current status — Applied, Medical Assessment Scheduled, Under Process, Issued

Important Tips

1. Apply online through UDID portal — It's faster and creates a digital record accessible anywhere
2. Carry all medical documents to the assessment — Previous reports help the board make accurate assessment
3. Don't delay — Many government benefits have deadlines; get the certificate as soon as possible
4. UDID card is universally valid — No need for separate certificates for different purposes
5. Free of cost — The entire process including medical assessment is free at government hospitals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the disability certificate and UDID card the same thing?

The UDID card is the new standardized version of the disability certificate. It's a smart card with a unique ID number. Old disability certificates are still valid but UDID registration is recommended for universal acceptance.

What is the minimum disability percentage for benefits?

40% or above (benchmark disability) is required for most government benefits including job reservation, tax deductions, and travel concessions. Certificates can be issued for lower percentages but with limited benefits.

Can I apply for UDID if I already have a disability certificate?

Yes, you should migrate to UDID. Register on the portal and upload your existing certificate. The medical board may reassess or accept the existing assessment.

Is the assessment free?

Yes, the medical board assessment at government hospitals is completely free. Do not pay anyone for the assessment or certificate — it's a free government service.

Can the disability percentage be increased?

Yes, if your condition worsens, you can apply for reassessment. Submit updated medical reports and the medical board will reassess the percentage.

Is UDID card valid across states?

Yes, the UDID card is valid across India. Unlike old disability certificates that were sometimes state-specific, UDID is a national-level document accepted everywhere.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Assessment criteria and processes may vary. Check swavlambancard.gov.in for current details.