What Is Registered Disabled?

Being registered as disabled is a personal choice; although one may benefit from certain concessions due to the nature of their disability. The aim of this blog post is to explain the concept of registered disabled. However, to present a wider view of the topic we will also discuss the benefits that individuals with disabilities can claim and how to go about it.

What Is Registered Disabled?

According to Section 6 of the Equality Act 2010, an individual is registered disabled if they face the following conditions:

an individual is physically or mentally impaired
the impact of the impairment is (a) substantial and (b) long-term for them to carry out everyday routine tasks

Some medical impairments are immediately considered a disability. These include the following:

If someone is suffering from cancer. This includes skin growths that are potentially cancerous and need to be removed
If someone has a visual impairment. They may be certified blind, severely sight impaired, sight impaired or partially sighted
If someone has multiple sclerosis, an HIV infection or a severe, long-term disfigurement

Some councils in the UK maintain registers of their residents with disabilities so that appropriate local services are provided to those in need; however, registering oneself as disabled is completely voluntary.

Can You Claim Benefits If You Are Registered Disabled?

Yes, you can claim certain benefits in the UK if you are registered as an individual with a disability (or disabilities). Disabled adults who live with their parents are able to claim (or their parents can claim on their behalf) the following benefits:

Attendance Allowance (AA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Universal Credit (UC)

How Can You Claim Benefits If You Are Registered Disabled?

If an individual is registered disabled, they will not be able to claim benefits automatically and will have to apply for benefits that they are eligible for. Claimants will also have to provide evidence to support their claim.

For instance, Attendance Allowance is a monthly allowance for those who need assistance with meeting the extra costs of a disability or the support of a carer due to old age. In order to claim AA, claimants must require help with basic needs such as washing themselves, getting dressed, or need to be monitored to remain safe during the day or night.

Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment are state benefits that intend to cover the additional costs of disability for claimants.

If someone is unable to work due to a health condition or disability (termed as “limited capability for work”), they may also claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

You can claim ESA and PIP at the same time; should you qualify to meet the conditions for both the benefits. If a disabled adult is employed and unable to work, they may claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from their employer for a period of 28 weeks.

In certain cases, disabled adults will be able to claim Universal Credit due to their limited capability for work.

Can You Get A Disabled Facilities Grant If You Are Registered Disabled?

To be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant, the applicant must fulfil the below conditions:

Either the applicant or a member of their household is living with a disability
The affected person must either be a house owner or tenant who intends to continue living on the premises for a minimum of five years

The amount of funding that the applicant will receive in this case will depend on their income and savings, which will be assessed through a means test. On the basis of the results, the council will decide the amount that they may be able to arrange through the grant and the amount that the applicant is expected to pay.

Can You Get A Blue Badge If You Are Registered Disabled?

Blue Badge concessions are given to drivers with certain medical conditions in the UK, enabling them to park closer to their destinations. As a Blue Badge holder, you can ask your local council to allocate you a parking space that is close to home.

If you qualify for a Blue Badge, you may be able to avail unlimited parking on streets with parking meters, pay-and-display machines or in disabled parking bays on streets.

Can You Apply For Disabled Tax Class If You Are Registered Disabled?

Yes, you can apply for a Disabled Tax Class for your car if you are registered disabled. You will need to apply for it through a post office that deals with car taxes. For this purpose, you must take your Certificate of Entitlement of any of the following benefits that your receive:

Adult Disability Payment
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Child Disability Payment
Disability Living Allowance
Personal Independence Payment
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

Conclusion:

According to statistics, there are more than 14 million people in the UK who are registered disabled. However, it is not necessary that each disabled individual claims or is able to claim benefits. Furthermore, a disability is considered by the state when it is a substantial and long-term mental or physical impairment that prevents individuals from performing everyday life tasks.

FAQs: What Is Registered Disabled?

How do you get registered as disabled in the UK?

If someone is suffering from a physical or mental impairment, they can contact their local council office to learn more about being registered as disabled in the UK.

How do you prove you are disabled in the UK?

As per the definition stated in section 6 of the Equality Act 2010, an individual can claim to be disabled if they suffer from a physical or mental impairment. Additionally, this impairment should bear a substantial and long-term impact on the individual’s ability to perform normal duties on their own.

Is anxiety a disability?

If the consequences of anxiety include OCD, panic disorders, phobias or PTSD, the condition is considered a disability.

What are the benefits of a Disability Living Allowance?

A Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free state benefit that provides financial support to individuals with a disability to meet the additional costs for mobility and care.

How much is the Disability Living Allowance?

Depending on the needs of the disabled individual on whose behalf the benefit is being claimed, you may be able to receive between £24.45 and £156.90 a week as DLA.