FAQ - Recognizing Disability

Disability (or the condition of disability) exists when a person over a prolonged period of time encounters physical, mental,  intellectual and sensory impairments that render engaging in certain daily activities more difficult (E.g. working, getting around and taking care of oneself.) These difficulties are the result of the interaction with diverse barriers (E.g. architectural, social….)

In Italy disability is recognized by a public commission; this process is set in motion by the submission of a request by the person directly affected.

The commission examines and assesses the physical, mental or sensory impairments (civil disability,  blindness, deafness, deafblindness) and the eventual level of assistance that the person needs (social evaluation, Law 104/1992.)

The two assessments, which are usually made at the same time,  are extended to foreign citizens who reside in Italy.

Requesting the two is very important because without them it will be impossible to receive economic help, and other welfare measures at school or at work.

One can apply for the recognition of his/her disability (Law 104/1992) and/or disability/blindness/deafness, if they are an:

• Italian citizen resident in Italy;
• EU citizen legally residing in Italy and registered at the local Municipal Civil Registrar;
• Non-EU national with a residence permit of the duration of at least one year.

You can apply online, directly on the  INPS (National Institute for Social Security)  website. INPS is the public institution in Italy responsible for administering pensions, welfare payments and economic subsidies for those who work or face difficulties. The application must be done online directly on the INPS website, or through an association or relief organization.

To start the process, you must follow these steps:

1. You must ask your assigned general practitioner to send INPS an introductory medical certificate that must include the following information: personal data, fiscal code, and a diagnosis of the pathologies concerned. This certificate must be compiled online and sent to INPS by a general practitioner. INPS, in turn, will issue a receipt assigning a number to the certificate.
2. After having obtained the medical certificate, you can proceed with the request. It can be done in two ways:

• Online on the INPS website. To do so you must have the following credentials: SPID (Public Digital Identity System,) Electronic ID card Level 3 (CIE,) or National Service Card. Click here to sign in.
• Via a relief organization or association (consult the list at
• https://www.jumamap.it/wp-content/uploads/Sportelli-disabilita-JumaMap-8-aprile-2025.xlsx).

Remember that it is possible to attach to the application the pertinent medical records.

N.B. The medical certificate necessary to apply for disability is valid for just 90 days.

3. 3. the end of its assessment the Commission will issue a report regarding the impairments (disability, blindness, deafness,) that will include the percentage assigned to the disability, or blindness, either partial or total, or deafness and if the conditions exist to receive a carer’s allowance. This report will also include an assessment of the condition’s degree of gravity.

1. B. If you don’t agree with the content of the assessment, you can appeal its findings through an attorney.

A general practitioner (it can be a different one than the one who issued the initial certificate) has to request a house call. Within five days of the request, a communication will be sent with the date and time of the house call.

Some assessments impose a review over time (after a year, two, three ….) In the report it’s noted whether the disability is the kind that needs to be “reviewed” or not. If the disability can progress over time, the report will include the date for a new visit with the general practitioner.

In this event it is INPS that calls the person for a new visit. The person does not have to go back to the general practitioner for the introductory certificate. During the review the person will be asked for updated medical records, and a new assessment will be issued. Keep in mind that the old reports remain valid until the review process is finished.

If the condition worsens over time, and is well documented by a specialist, the person can request a new assessment.

The steps are the same as the first request: initial medical certificate, application, assessment, medical visit.

The type of assistance varies according to the condition’s gravity. It also may depend on other criteria such as age, income….

With regards to  benefits (civil disability, blindness, deafness, deafblindness) the law calls for pensions, checks and indemneties.

Pension:  The individual is entitled to a pension ìf the disability is equal to 100%, and is older than 18; or partially or totally blind with an annual income not superior to € 19.500.

Checks: you will receive a check if the disability is between 74 and 99% and you are over 18 with an income not superior to € 5.400.

Carer’s Allowance: It is granted independently of age and income, and it is authorized if the person is not capable of walking or needs ongoing assistance. It is also granted to those who are totally blind.

Presence Allowance: It is granted to disabled minors who attend school or go to rehabilitation facilities.

In the instance that the disability is assessed as being serious, in accordance with Law 104/1992 further benefits are available:

• If the individual concerned is a minor, there is the possibility of obtaining a special needs teacher at school;
• It allows support on the job (leaves, furloughs, choice of location, exemption from night work….)
• There are possible tax exemptions for medical expenses, kindergarten, assistance and car.

The recognition of the status of being seriously disabled is taken into account by local social services and leads to the setting in motion specific forms of aid and support.