What Are the Benefits of Registering as Disabled in the UK?

If you or a loved one live with a disability, understanding your entitlements is crucial to accessing the support and benefits you deserve. A registered disability automatically qualifies you to access specific care, support, and financial assistance. With every case being particular, it can be hard to know where to start when you want proof of disability. We’re going to guide you through your options so that you can find the right pathway for your individual needs. 

What Is Disability Recognition?

Disability recognition is the formal process by which an impairment is recognised by all UK healthcare and welfare services. The 2010 Equality Act describes a disability as any mental or physical condition which makes it significantly more difficult to function in everyday life, or that has been impacting quality of life for at least 12 months. Once your disability is formally recognised you will have access to a wider range of support and care. 

How Could Getting Your Disability Recognised Help?

Getting your disability recognised is not solely a matter of receiving access to more specific care from the NHS. You will also be able to: 

• Apply for financial assistance like Universal Credit and Disability Living Allowance
• Access grants for specialist equipment that can be used at home or while you travel 
• Ensure workplaces treat you fairly and provide a fully accessible workplace for you 

You will also receive greater protection under the Equality Act because any issues which impact your ability to work and are related to your disability are protected qualities. This means you cannot be dismissed solely based on your disability. 

What Does and Does Not Qualify As a Disability?

Checking if you are disabled can be a highly complex process due to the personal nature of what you’re doing. Certain conditions such as cancer and HIV are automatically classed as disabilities, while mental illness and impairments resulting from injury can be much more nuanced. 

While a definitive list is outside of the scope of this article, we can draw some key points from the Government’s guidance: 

• Addiction of any form, even if it is drugs or alcohol, does not class as a disability 
• Seasonal conditions like hay fever do not count as disabilities even though they may cause discomfort 
• A short yet intense illness such as the flu will not be classified as a disability 

The key point here is that you need to have your quality of life impacted in a way that is significant and prolonged to be considered ‘disabled’. While no one wants to be told that they are not suffering as much as they think they are, it’s important to be aware that not everything that has a negative impact on your life will be recognised as a disability. 

How Do I Apply To Get My Disability Recognised?

Applying to get your disability recognised is done via the DWP who typically advise applicants to complete a PIP form online. To do this you will need to make sure you have access to: 

• Your personal details such as name, address, and date of birth 
• The contact details and address of your local GP or practice 
• Your bank account number, sort code, and National Insurance number 
• Dates and addresses for any time you have spent in a care home or hospital 

The DWP will liaise with your GP and other healthcare professionals who have treated you over the years to gauge to what extent your life has been impacted. 

Can I Use the Equality Act If My Application Is Declined?

While this can be argued in a small number of very complex cases, you will typically find that the DWP will instead refer you to alternative pathways. One of the most common is a needs assessment conducted by Social Services that will assess your needs on a more day-to-day level.

How does the appeals process work?

Appeals are to be made in writing and returned to the postal address included in the letter that notified you that your application has been denied. We recommend checking the Equality Act to find out which conditions are classed as a disability. 

Getting Your Disability Recognised 

When your disability is formally recognised you will be protected by the Equalities Act and cannot be fired or discriminated against based on your disability. It will also entitle you to access care and financial assistance deemed proportionate to your current condition and quality of life. 

FAQ’s