【Bookmark This】How to Apply for a Disability Certificate! Don't Miss Out...

The disability certificate plays a crucial role as an objective proof of an individual's disability.

However, many people may find the application process, types, and grades of the certificate unclear.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive explanation of the types of disability certificates, the application process, and the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining one.

This information is particularly essential for those considering obtaining a disability certificate, so please read through to the end.

1. What is a Disability Certificate?

A disability certificate is a document issued by local governments to individuals with disabilities.

It is commonly referred to as a collective term for three types of certificates: the Physical Disability Certificate, the Rehabilitation Certificate, and the Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate.

Obtaining a disability certificate not only allows individuals to prove their disability but also enables them to access various services provided independently by local governments and businesses.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there are approximately 6.1 million individuals nationwide holding a disability certificate as of December 1, 2022.

However, this figure includes individuals with multiple disabilities, so it is not entirely accurate.

It is also speculated that many individuals with disabilities are not reflected in the statistics as they have not applied for a certificate.

Reference: Summary of the 2022 Survey on Difficulties in Daily Life (National Survey on the Actual Conditions of Children and Persons with Disabilities at Home)｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

2. Types and Grades of Disability Certificates

Each type of disability certificate is based on specific legislation, and the grading differs accordingly.

Let's take a closer look at the types and grades of disability certificates.

2-1. Physical Disability Certificate

The Physical Disability Certificate is issued based on the "Act on Welfare of Physically Disabled Persons" established in 1949.

The conditions for obtaining it require that the disability is of a certain degree and permanent, with examples of eligible disabilities including:

• Visual impairment
• Hearing or balance function impairment
• Speech, language, or chewing function impairment
• Physical disabilities
• Heart, kidney, or respiratory function impairment
• Bladder or rectal function impairment
• Small intestine function impairment
• Immune function impairment due to HIV
• Liver function impairment

Reference: Overview of the Physical Disability Certificate System｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

The grading is categorized from 1 to 6 according to the "Physical Disability Grading Table" in the enforcement regulations of the Act on Welfare of Physically Disabled Persons.

In the case of grade 7, it is not eligible for a certificate on its own, but if there are two or more overlapping disabilities that fall under grade 7, or if it overlaps with a disability of grade 6 or higher, it may be eligible for issuance.

Reference: Overview of the Physical Disability Certificate System｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

The Physical Disability Certificate generally has no expiration date, so renewal is not necessary.

However, if there is a possibility of improvement or alleviation of the disability, renewal or re-evaluation may be required.

Additionally, if a new disability occurs or an existing one worsens, re-evaluation will be conducted, and the grade may change.

2-2. Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate

The Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate is issued based on the "Act on Mental Health and Welfare for the Mentally Disabled" established in 1950.

The conditions for obtaining it include having been continuously visiting a psychiatrist for more than six months since the initial diagnosis due to a mental disorder, and experiencing restrictions in daily or social life.

Examples of eligible mental disorders include:

• Schizophrenia
• Mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder)
• Atypical psychosis
• Epilepsy
• Substance-induced psychosis (such as alcohol or drug addiction)
• Organic mental disorders (including higher brain dysfunction)
• Developmental disorders (such as autism, Asperger's syndrome, learning disabilities, ADHD)
• Other mental disorders (such as stress-related disorders)

Reference: About Disability Certificates｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

The grading for the Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate varies depending on the symptoms and is classified into grades 1 to 3.

The grading criteria are determined comprehensively based on the state of the mental disorder (functional impairment) and the ability impairment (activity limitation).

Reference: Criteria for Determining the Disability Grade of the Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

The certificate is valid for two years, with re-evaluation required every two years. Renewal can be done starting three months before the expiration of the existing certificate.

2-3. Rehabilitation Certificate

The Rehabilitation Certificate was established by each local government based on a notification from the Deputy Minister of Health to the governors of each prefecture and the mayors of designated cities in 1973.

Therefore, the name may vary depending on the municipality.

For example, it is called "Ai no Techo" in Tokyo and Yokohama City, "Aigo Techo" in Aomori Prefecture and Nagoya City, among others.

The target group for the Rehabilitation Certificate is individuals under 18 who have been recognized as having an intellectual disability by a child guidance center or an intellectual disability rehabilitation consultation center.

Additionally, individuals over 18 can obtain it if they are recognized as having had an intellectual disability since childhood. The grading is generally divided into severe (A) and others (B), but some municipalities further classify them as follows:

Reference: Osaka Prefecture｜About the Rehabilitation Certificate

Reference: Aigo Techo｜Nagoya City

The Rehabilitation Certificate is characterized by the fact that the grading and categories differ depending on the municipality.

The criteria for determining the Rehabilitation Certificate are set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as follows:

Criteria for Severe (A)

① Individuals with an IQ of approximately 35 or below who meet one of the following:
Require assistance with daily activities such as eating, dressing, toileting, and washing.
Exhibit problematic behaviors such as pica or excitement.

② Individuals with an IQ of approximately 50 or below who have blindness, deafness, or physical disabilities.
Criteria for Others (B)
Other than those classified as Severe (A)

Source: Overview of the Rehabilitation Certificate System-3. Degree of Disability and Criteria｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

3. Application Process and Required Documents for Disability Certificates

What is the process for applying for a disability certificate?

Here, we explain the application process and required documents for each type of disability certificate.

3-1. Physical Disability Certificate

The application process for a Physical Disability Certificate is as follows:

1. Consult with the welfare office of your city, ward, or town to obtain the application form and medical certificate form
2. Have the medical certificate completed by a designated doctor
3. Submit the application form and medical certificate to the welfare office
4. The prefecture conducts the issuance and grading assessment
5. The Physical Disability Certificate is issued

To apply for a Physical Disability Certificate, first obtain the application form and a medical certificate to be filled out by a doctor from the welfare office.

Only a "designated doctor" appointed by the governor of each prefecture can fill out the medical certificate, so check with the welfare office in advance to see if your doctor is designated.

Other required documents for application include:

• Application form
• Medical certificate
• Proof of identity photo (4cm x 3cm)
• My Number Card

After submitting the above documents, the eligibility and grading are determined through an assessment, and the certificate is issued in about a month.

3-2. Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate

The application process for a Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate is as follows:

1. More than six months have passed since the initial psychiatric consultation
2. Consult with the welfare office of your city, ward, or town to obtain the application form and medical certificate form
3. Have the medical certificate completed by your attending physician
4. Submit the application form and medical certificate to the welfare office
5. The prefecture conducts the issuance and grading assessment
6. The Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate is issued

Only medical certificates issued within three months of the application are valid, so be cautious.

Additionally, applications can be made only after more than six months have passed since the initial psychiatric consultation.

Required documents for application include the application form, medical certificate, proof of identity photo, and My Number Card, similar to the Physical Disability Certificate.

After submitting the documents, it takes about two to two and a half months for the certificate to be issued.

3-3. Rehabilitation Certificate

The application process for a Rehabilitation Certificate is as follows:

1. Consult with the welfare office of your city, ward, or town, fill out and submit the application form
2. Receive a call or letter from the assessment agency to schedule an interview
3. Attend the interview
4. If eligible, the certificate is issued

For the Rehabilitation Certificate, the application method varies by municipality, but generally follows the process of applying and then attending an interview.

If the applicant is under 18, the assessment is conducted by a child guidance center, and if over 18, by an intellectual disability rehabilitation consultation center.

A guardian who knows the applicant's childhood must accompany them during the assessment.

The required documents for the Rehabilitation Certificate application vary by municipality but generally include:

• Application form
• Seal
• Proof of identity photo (4cm x 3cm)
• My Number Card
• Mother-child handbook or medical certificate (if required)

Some municipalities may require the submission of a mother-child handbook or a medical certificate, so confirm in advance.

It takes about one to two months for the certificate to be issued after the interview.

4. Benefits of Obtaining a Disability Certificate

What are the benefits of obtaining a disability certificate?

Here, we introduce five key benefits:

• Eligibility to apply for disability employment
• Tax reductions and exemptions
• Discounts on public facilities and transportation
• Childcare and education
• Welfare and healthcare

4-1. Eligibility to Apply for Disability Employment

Obtaining a disability certificate allows individuals to apply for "disability employment" job listings in addition to general job listings, thereby expanding job opportunities.

In disability employment, individuals can work openly about their disabilities, allowing them to work while considering their health conditions.

Additionally, the range of support systems available, such as vocational training and employment support for disability employment, is expanded, which is a significant benefit.

4-2. Tax Reductions and Exemptions

Tax reductions and exemptions available with a disability certificate include:

• Income tax deductions
• Inheritance tax deductions
• Automobile tax reductions

There are various other tax reductions and exemptions, and the applicable ones differ depending on the type and grade of the disability, so it is recommended to check the website of your local government.

4-3. Discounts on Public Facilities and Transportation

With a disability certificate, admission fees to public facilities such as museums and fares for public transportation like trains and buses are discounted.

There are also discount services independently offered by some companies, such as mobile phone charges and NHK reception fees.

Additionally, entrance fees to amusement parks and theme parks may be discounted.

Reference:

4-4. Childcare and Education

Obtaining a disability certificate allows individuals to receive childcare and education tailored to their individual characteristics.

For example, having a Rehabilitation Certificate can increase the priority for admission to public daycare centers, and it allows for enrollment in special support schools.

Additionally, individuals can receive various allowances, such as the Disability Child Welfare Allowance and the Special Child Dependent Allowance.

Reference:

4-5. Welfare and Healthcare

With a disability certificate, individuals can receive various financial assistance, such as medical expenses for outpatient visits and renovations for barrier-free housing.

Particularly, local governments have established "Severe Disability Medical Expense Assistance" to reduce the burden of medical expenses.

The disability certificate plays a significant role in various aspects of welfare and healthcare.

5. Disadvantages of Obtaining a Disability Certificate

Some individuals may have negative feelings about being recognized as having a disability or feel misunderstood by those around them.

However, there are virtually no social disadvantages to obtaining a disability certificate.

Additionally, whether or not to utilize the certificate is up to the individual.

The disability certificate is intended to expand options and benefits for individuals with disabilities, so if one can overcome the mental disadvantages, the benefits far outweigh them.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Certificates

6-1. Do I Have to Report Obtaining a Disability Certificate to My Company?

In conclusion, there is no obligation to report obtaining a disability certificate to your company.

Additionally, if you have previously worked under disability employment and are transitioning to general employment, there is generally no need to disclose it during interviews.

In other words, whether or not to report obtaining a disability certificate is up to the individual, and it will not be known to others unless the individual chooses to disclose it.

However, if there are tasks you cannot perform due to your disability or accommodations you need, it is advisable to inform your company.

6-2. Is It True That You Cannot Join Insurance If You Have a Disability Certificate?

Have you heard that "you shouldn't get a disability certificate because you won't be able to join insurance"?

In conclusion, depending on the type of disability and the insurance content, there may be insurance you cannot join.

For example, disabilities that do not significantly affect health, such as visual or hearing impairments, are more likely to pass life or medical insurance screenings.

However, when joining insurance, there is a duty to disclose health conditions, so depending on the type of disability and coverage, there may be cases where you cannot join.

Recently, however, there has been an increase in insurance that individuals with disabilities can join, so it is not necessary to give up on joining insurance just because of a disability.

6-3. Who Determines the Grade of the Disability Certificate?

The institutions responsible for determining the eligibility and grade of each disability certificate are as follows:

• Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate: Designated doctors appointed by the governor of the prefecture
• Physical Disability Certificate: Mental Health and Welfare Centers of each municipality
• Rehabilitation Certificate: Child Guidance Centers or Intellectual Disability Rehabilitation Consultation Centers

If you disagree with the determined grade, you can file an appeal by submitting a "Review Request Form" to the welfare office of your city or town.

6-4. Can You Receive Disability Pension If You Have a Disability Certificate?

The disability certificate and disability pension are separate systems, so even if you have a certificate, you cannot receive a pension without applying. Additionally, you can apply for a disability pension even if you do not have a certificate.

The disability pension (basic disability pension and employee disability pension) is financial support provided to individuals who cannot work due to disabilities caused by illness or injury and require assistance in daily life.

To receive a disability pension, you must meet the following three conditions:

• Initial consultation date requirement
• Insurance premium payment requirement
• Disability recognition criteria requirement

The application process for a disability pension is as follows:

1. Determine the initial consultation date
2. Check if you meet the insurance premium payment requirement
3. Have documents proving the initial consultation date prepared
4. Have a medical certificate prepared by a doctor
5. Prepare a statement of medical history and employment status
6. Gather other necessary documents (including a copy of the disability certificate, if available)
7. Submit to the pension office or the national pension section of your city or town
   

Note that having a grade 2 disability certificate does not mean you will receive a grade 2 disability pension.

Understand that while the disability certificate and disability pension are separate, the certificate can be a reference for the pension review process.

For more detailed information on the disability pension, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

6-5. Is It True That Obtaining a Disability Certificate Prevents You from Getting a Driver's License?

Even if you have a disability certificate, you can obtain a driver's license if it is determined that you have no issues with driving ability.

A driver's license can be obtained regardless of disability if you have the ability to drive safely and pass the exam.

However, the National Police Agency's Traffic Bureau has published a list of certain illnesses that may prevent obtaining or renewing a driver's license:

1. Dementia
2. Dependency or addiction to alcohol or drugs
3. Mental illness with hallucinations
4. Illnesses causing seizures or impairing consciousness or movement (such as epilepsy, syncope, hypoglycemia)
5. Illnesses that may affect safe driving (such as bipolar disorder, sleep disorders)

Reference: About Certain Illnesses That May Lead to Refusal of a Driver's License｜National Police Agency

Even without a disability certificate, if you have any of the above illnesses or symptoms, you may not be able to obtain or renew a driver's license.

If you have concerns about obtaining a driver's license due to physical disabilities, you can consult the nationwide unified consultation hotline (#8080) for advice on driver's licenses.

Reference: About the Safe Driving Consultation Desk｜National Police Agency

7. Conclusion

In this article, we have explained the types, grades, and application methods for disability certificates.

Obtaining a disability certificate is optional, but it is an effective means of officially proving your disability and accessing various services and benefits, such as tax reductions and discounts on public facilities and transportation.

Consider obtaining a certificate to learn about and correctly utilize support systems and services that suit your needs.