How to Apply for Disability Certificate Online — UDID Card (Unique Disability ID)

What is the UDID Card?

The Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card is a government-issued identity document for persons with disabilities in India. It is issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The UDID card replaces the old disability certificates issued by different states with a single, nationally recognised card. It contains a unique 18-digit ID number linked to your Aadhaar, making it easier to access government benefits across India.

Important: The UDID card serves as both your disability certificate and your identity proof for accessing all disability-related government schemes and benefits.

Who is Eligible?

Any person residing in India who has a benchmark disability of 40% or more is eligible for a UDID card. This includes:

• Indian citizens of any age (including children)
• Persons with any of the 21 types of disabilities recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016
• Persons who already hold a state-issued disability certificate (they should also get UDID)

21 Types of Disabilities Under RPwD Act 2016

The RPwD Act 2016 recognises the following disabilities:

Physical Disabilities:

1. Blindness
2. Low vision
3. Leprosy cured persons
4. Hearing impairment (deaf and hard of hearing)
5. Locomotor disability
6. Dwarfism
7. Muscular dystrophy

Intellectual Disabilities: 8. Autism spectrum disorder 9. Specific learning disabilities 10. Intellectual disability

Mental Behaviour (Mental Illness): 11. Mental illness

Disability Caused by Chronic Neurological Conditions: 12. Cerebral palsy 13. Parkinson's disease 14. Multiple sclerosis

Blood Disorders: 15. Haemophilia 16. Thalassemia 17. Sickle cell disease

Multiple Disabilities: 18. Multiple disabilities (more than one of the above)

Speech and Language Disability: 19. Speech and language disability

Other: 20. Acid attack victims 21. Chronic neurological conditions

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before applying:

Mandatory Documents

• Aadhaar Card — linked to your mobile number
• Passport-size photograph — recent, white background
• Proof of address — Aadhaar / Voter ID / Utility bill
• Medical records — diagnosis reports, prescriptions, hospital records related to your disability

Additional Documents (if available)

• Existing disability certificate — if you have one issued by a state government hospital
• Birth certificate — for children applying
• Guardianship certificate — if applying on behalf of a person with intellectual or mental disability

Tip: Having your existing medical records and disability certificate ready will speed up the assessment process significantly.

How to Apply for UDID Card Online — Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to swavlambancard.gov.in — this is the only official website for UDID registration.

Step 2: Click on "Apply Online"

On the homepage, click on "Apply for Disability Certificate and UDID Card" or the "Register" button.

Step 3: Fill in Personal Details

Enter your details carefully:

• Full name (as on Aadhaar)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Aadhaar number
• Mobile number and email
• Address (state, district, pin code)

Step 4: Select Disability Type

• Choose your type of disability from the dropdown (one or more of the 21 types)
• Mention if the disability is by birth or acquired
• Enter details of the disability

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

• Passport-size photograph (JPG/PNG, max 1 MB)
• Aadhaar card
• Medical records / existing disability certificate
• Any other supporting documents

Step 6: Choose Assessment Hospital

Select a government hospital in your district where you want to undergo the disability assessment. The portal shows a list of empanelled hospitals.

Step 7: Submit the Application

• Review all details carefully
• Submit the application
• Note down your Enrollment Number / Application ID — you will need this to track your status

Step 8: Visit the Hospital for Assessment

• You will receive an SMS/notification with your appointment date
• Visit the selected government hospital on the given date
• A medical board (team of specialist doctors) will assess your disability
• They will determine the type and percentage of disability

Step 9: Receive Your UDID Card

• After successful assessment, the medical board approves your certificate
• Your UDID card and disability certificate will be generated
• You can download it from the portal or receive it by post

How to Check UDID Application Status

1. Visit swavlambancard.gov.in
2. Click on "Track Your Application Status"
3. Enter your Enrollment Number or Aadhaar Number
4. Click Search to see the current status

Status stages: Application Submitted → Hospital Assigned → Assessment Scheduled → Assessment Complete → Certificate Generated → UDID Card Issued

How to Download UDID Card

1. Visit swavlambancard.gov.in
2. Click on "Download Your UDID Card" or "eDisability Card"
3. Log in using your registered mobile number or Aadhaar
4. Enter OTP received on your mobile
5. Download your UDID card in PDF format

You can also access your UDID card through the UDID mSeva mobile app available on Google Play Store.

How to Update Details on UDID Card

If you need to update your name, address, disability details, or photo:

1. Log in to swavlambancard.gov.in
2. Go to "Update Profile" or "Lost UDID" section
3. Make the required changes
4. Upload supporting documents if needed
5. Submit — changes will be updated after verification

For re-assessment (if your disability percentage has changed), you will need to visit the hospital again.

Benefits of UDID Card

The UDID card unlocks access to many government benefits:

Employment

• 3-4% reservation in government jobs (as per RPwD Act)
• Relaxation in upper age limit for government exams
• Special recruitment drives for persons with disabilities

Education

• 5% reservation in higher education institutions
• Scholarships for students with disabilities (pre-matric and post-matric)
• Fee concession or waiver in many institutions
• Assistive technology and accessible study materials

Financial Benefits

• Disability pension — ₹500 to ₹3,000/month (varies by state)
• Income tax exemption under Section 80U — ₹75,000 deduction (₹1,25,000 for severe disability of 80%+)
• Tax benefits for guardians under Section 80DD

Travel Concessions

• 75% concession on Indian Railways (for persons with 40%+ disability)
• Free or discounted bus travel in many states
• Concession on air travel with some airlines

Assistive Devices

• Free or subsidised assistive devices — wheelchairs, hearing aids, artificial limbs, crutches, braille kits
• Under the ADIP Scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances)

Other Benefits

• Free healthcare at government hospitals
• Priority in government housing schemes
• Accessible parking and public facilities
• Legal protections against discrimination

Disability Pension — State-Wise Schemes

Each state runs its own disability pension scheme in addition to central government benefits. Here are some key ones:

Note: Pension amounts change frequently. Check with your state's Social Welfare Department for the latest amounts. You can apply for state disability pension through your District Social Welfare Office or the respective state portal.

Processing Time

• Online application: 10-15 minutes
• Hospital assessment appointment: Usually within 2-4 weeks of application
• Certificate generation: 1-2 weeks after successful assessment
• Total time: Approximately 1-2 months from application to receiving UDID card

Fees

• No fee is charged for applying for UDID card
• No fee for the disability assessment at government hospitals
• The entire process is completely free

Common Problems and Solutions

"I applied but didn't get a hospital appointment"

Contact your District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) or the Chief Medical Officer's office in your district. You can also call the national helpline.

"My disability percentage was assessed lower than expected"

You can apply for re-assessment through the portal. You may also appeal to the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

"I have an old disability certificate — do I still need UDID?"

Yes, the government is transitioning to UDID for all disability-related services. Apply for UDID and upload your existing certificate — it will speed up the process.

"I cannot visit the hospital for assessment"

For persons with severe disabilities who cannot travel, request a home visit or camp-based assessment through the DDRC.

Helpline and Support

• UDID Helpline: 011-20892364
• Email: swavlamban.depwd@gmail.com
• National Toll-Free Helpline for PwDs: 1800-11-5577
• Website: swavlambancard.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the UDID card valid across all states? Yes, the UDID card is valid across India. It is a nationally recognised disability certificate.

Q: Can I apply on behalf of someone else? Yes, a family member or legal guardian can apply on behalf of a person with disability, especially for children or persons with intellectual/mental disabilities.

Q: Is the UDID card the same as a disability certificate? The UDID card includes your disability certificate. Once you have a UDID, you do not need a separate disability certificate.

Q: How long is the UDID card valid? If the disability is permanent, the card is valid for life. For temporary or progressive conditions, it is valid for the period specified by the medical board (usually 3-5 years), after which re-assessment is needed.

Q: Can I apply offline? Yes, you can also apply through your nearest District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) or government hospital. They will help you fill the online form.