The Disability Card: a Measure to Simplify Mobility and Access to Services

If your disability has been formally recognized, you might be eligible for a Disability Card. The measure aims at facilitating the unhindered circulation of people with disabilities. A further goal is to ensure that those who reside in the countries of the European Union have equal access to services, special benefits, cultural activities, athletic facilities, means of transportation and reserved parking spaces..

 

The following categories are among the main beneficiaries:

 

  • Individuals who have a civil disability equal or superior to 67%,
  • Individuals with a serious disability in accordance with Law 104 (Art- 3, 3,)
  • Minors who are beneficiaries of attendance allowance,
  • Minors who are beneficiaries of disability allowance.

 

Individuals with disabilities who fall into other categories, can also apply for the Card. For a complete list of those who are eligible, consult the table (p. 51) published in the Anffas National Guide on The Recognition of Disability and Disability Card (also in PDF format.)

 

INPS, the national social security agency,  automatically  verifies  if  the

petitioner qualifies on the basis of the information already in its database.
For information on having your disability recognized and its related documentation, see the FAQ on the topic.
FAQ – The recognition of disability – JumaMap

Starting on March 1, 2026, in some Italian provinces, trial tests have begun with the goal of modifying the application procedure. FAQ – Disability Reform and Law 104: what has changed in 2026 – JumaMap.

The Disability Card or European Disability Card is a measure adopted to promote social inclusion, autonomy and access to a wide variety of services for people with disability.
The Card is part of a European effort whose aim is to guarantee the recognition of a person’s disability outside of her/his country of residence thus facilitating access to services, benefits, and preferential treatments.
The Disability Card officially vouches the status of disability as certified by the competent public administrations. It is not a substitute for an I:D: therefore it must always be shown along with a valid I. D: (for foreign residents it is necessary to show a valid Residence Permit or a receipt for its renewal.)

The information related to the disability condition is contained in the QR Code found in the back of the card. This is exclusively to verify the cardholder’s disability while guaranteeing respect for his/her privacy.
On the front of the card you will also find a specific indication indicating the necessity for a greater level of assistance or services.
If a person’s condition changes with time, it is not necessary to apply for a new card given that the information contained in the QR Code is automatically updated on the basis of information received by the Social Security Agency (INPS.) In those instances when a person’s status changes due to the necessity for greater assistance or increased services, it is necessary to apply for a new card so that the relevant information will be reported on the front side of the card.

The Disability Card can be used:

  • In Italy as documentation of a disabled condition when dealing with governmental offices and public administrations. The card eliminates the necessity to carry around paper copies of the necessary documents

 

  • In Italy and in those other countries that recognize the European Disability Card (at the moment these include Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Malta, Romania and Slovenia,) to have guaranteed access to services, activities, goods, and benefits guaranteed by local regulations.
Greater Freedom of Circulation
One of the main advantages of the Disability Card regards mobility.
In many Italian cities the card gives you access to discounts, benefits or, in some cases, waivers of fares for public transport such as buses, subway or regional railway services, in accordance with the measures established by local authorities’ and those of public transport companies.

Amongst the most significant special measures is the one that Trenitalia makes available to those who have on the front of their card the indication that they must be assisted (letter “A”,) In addition to a discounted ticket, the assistant has the possibility of traveling for free throughout the national territory. This reduction is valid both for regional and national itineraries in accordance with the conditions set by Trenitalia.

These conditions can vary based on the type of trains and local territory, for this reason it is always preferable to verify the actual regulations in effect for each public and private company in the area.

 

If you are in the Valle d’Aosta Region, it might be useful to consult this website:

Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta – Trasporti

Culture, Sport and Leisure Time

 

In addition the Disability Card allows free access, or at a reduced rate, to numerous places and cultural activities such as museums, archeological sites, theatres, exhibitions and events.

Many recreational and sport facilities participate in the program and offer discounts and benefits.

To consult the list of the services available in various areas, click below:

https://disabilita.governo.it/it/carta-europ ea-disabilita-ced/dove-utilizzarla/

The application for the Disability Card must be submitted via computer to the INPS website (online INPS portal) or via organizations that represent people with disability who are licensed to use the online procedure:
If the application is made on behalf of a minor, it must be presented by the person who is the parent, the legal guardian, or the foster family to whom the minor has been assigned (this applies for the whole time that the minor resides there.)

In general to apply you must have:

  • A recent passport size photo,
  • Paper documentation prior to 2010 given that they are not available in the digital archives,
  • Possible judicial rulings or other documentation regarding the condition of disability.
INPS automatically verifies if the requirements are met on the basis of the information already present in its files. Once the application has been approved the card is made by the Istituto Poligrafico and National Mint and it is mailed directly to the residence of the person who applied for it at the post office.

The request has to be fulfilled within 60 days from the date when the application was filed along with all the necessary information and documentation.

The Disability Card lasts a maximum of

10 years, but INPS can take it back before the end of that period if health conditions change. If the card is damaged, lost or stolen, you can request a new one on the INPS website. The new request automatically annuls the old card. In case of theft or loss remember to attach a copy of the complaint filed with the police.

Starting in December 2024 the Disability Card is available in its digital format on the App IO, in the area dedicated to personal I. D.
To use the digital version it’s necessary to:
  • Already have in your possession a Digital Card,
  • Have access to SPID or an electronic identity card (CIE.)
  • Have installed on  your  digital

devices the App IO.

The digital version contains the same information as the physical card, and it includes a QR Authentication Code that allows it to verify its validity.

The digital version is the same as the physical card, but it’s not a substitute. The physical version continues to be valid and can be used.

NABILA is a Help Desk for migrant citizens with disabilities and vulnerabilities that provides socio-legal assistance, language mediation and orientation to services on the national territory.

Attraverso la linea telefonica gratuita 800 999 977, NABILA fornisce:

  • Ascolto e supporto da remoto
  • Orientamento ai servizi sul territorio grazie a JUMA MAP
  • Possibilità di richiedere appuntamenti in presenza (nella sede dell’Ufficio Immigrazione di ARCI Nazionale)

 

Questo progetto è finanziato dalla Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri con la quota Irpef dell’otto per mille

 

 

Nabila: solidarity fund

SOLIDARITY FUND The Nabila Project provides aSolidarity Fund dedicated to beneficiaries of international protection, with the aim of offering direct support in situations of specific

Read everything »

What is JumaMap

JumaMap – Services for Refugees is a map designed to help you quickly find useful services near you.
Here you can search for places to sleep, eat, study Italian, and get health, legal or psychological support, as well as many other services dedicated to migrant people and people experiencing homelessness.

The platform is available in 17 languages.
You can change the language from the menu at the top and choose among: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Dari, Farsi, French, English, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, Urdu, Wolof.

You can also access JumaMap on your mobile phone: visit www.jumamap.it

Welcome Center

If you need in-person help, you can come to the Welcome Center:

Monday
10:00 – 14:00 — Social orientation desk

Tuesday
10:00 – 14:00 — Psychological support desk (ages 18–26)
14:00 – 17:00 — Health support desk
14:00 – 18:00 — Social orientation desk
14:00 – 18:00 — Legal support desk

Wednesday
10:00 – 14:00 — Social orientation desk

Thursday
10:00 – 14:00 — Legal support desk (ages 18–26)
14:00 – 18:00 — Social orientation desk

Friday
10:00 – 14:00 — Social orientation desk
16:30 – 19:30 — Legal support desk

Digital support

Tuesday 9:30 – 14:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 15:00
Thursday 9:30 – 16:30

Toll-free number for asylum seekers and refugees

For information and phone support, call Arci’s toll-free number for asylum seekers and refugees:
800 905 570 (Italy)
+39 351 1376335 (WhatsApp, Lycamobile and from abroad)

It answers Monday to Friday, 9:30–17:00, with a multilingual voicemail always active and a network of cultural-linguistic mediators available in 35 languages.
You can also write to: numeroverderifugiati@arci.it

Toll-free number for migrants with disabilities

NABILA is a service offering listening, support and guidance to migrant and refugee people with disabilities or other vulnerabilities.
You can call the toll-free number 800 999 977.
If you prefer speaking in person, you can book an appointment at Arci Nazionale’s Immigration Office:
Via dei Monti di Pietralata 16 – Rome.

Listening and support space for migrant minors and young people

U-Report On The Move is a safe space where you can receive legal support and also talk, freely and safely, about your feelings, your problems and whatever is worrying you.
A trained professional listens to you and helps you find the right support for your needs.
The service is available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 18:00.

To use it, simply send a message on Facebook Messenger, through the U-Report On The Move platform.
A team of psychologists replies to messages and offers personalised and attentive support.