Disability recognition and benefits

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will learn how to get or transfer recognised disability status in Spain and what it unlocks.

Start with "Disability rights in Spain and what you can actually do". It explains the framework and which rights depend on where you live. From there, go to the article that matches your next step: getting the certificate, transferring a foreign certificate or EU Disability Card, or planning the move itself.

Benefits that sit outside this topic, such as dependencia, pensions and cash benefits, and the parking card and driving, are covered elsewhere.

Key rules

• Disability threshold: You are legally recognised as a person with a disability in Spain when your recognised degree is 33% or more.
• Appeal deadline: You must file the prior claim within 30 days of being notified of the resolution, and if it is rejected or not answered within 45 days, you have 30 days to file the court claim.
• Foreign certificate: A foreign disability certificate is not automatically recognised, so you need to apply for a Spanish assessment once you are a resident.
• Discrimination protection: You are protected from disability discrimination in Spain whatever your residence status.
• Certificate: Most concessions need a disability certificate from your region, which requires legal residence.
• Region: Apply in the region where you live; each region runs its own assessment.

Disability recognition and benefits: the whole process, step by step

• Understand your rights and which ones depend on residence (Disability rights in Spain and what you can actually do): before you apply

• Apply for the Spanish disability certificate at your regional centre (Getting the Spanish disability certificate (certificado de discapacidad)): once you are a resident; a foreign certificate is not automatically recognised

• Receive your degree; 33% or more gives legal recognition, and the certificate says if it is permanent or temporary: when the resolution is notified

• File the prior claim if you disagree (Reassessment and appeal of your disability degree in Spain): within 30 days of being notified of the resolution

• Wait for the administration's answer; silence counts as a rejection: up to 45 days

• File the court claim if the prior claim is rejected or not answered: within 30 days after the rejection or after the 45 days pass

• Claim transport, tax and culture concessions (What disability recognition unlocks in transport, tax and culture): once you hold the certificate

• Request a review before a temporary certificate lapses, with updated medical reports: usually a few months before the review date on your certificate

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• A copy of your ID document — Getting the Spanish disability certificate (certificado de discapacidad), Disability rights in Spain and what you can actually do
• Proof of residence — Getting the Spanish disability certificate (certificado de discapacidad), Planning a move to Spain as a disabled person
• Your ID and a photo — What disability recognition unlocks in transport, tax and culture
• Padrón certificate from your town hall — Planning a move to Spain as a disabled person

Other documents

• Official disability certificate
• Your foreign medical reports — Getting the Spanish disability certificate (certificado de discapacidad), Transferring a foreign disability certificate or EU Disability Card
• The regional application form — Getting the Spanish disability certificate (certificado de discapacidad)
• Recent medical reports from your treating specialists — Whether chronic illness or invisible conditions qualify as disability
• Reports describing how the condition limits your daily activities — Whether chronic illness or invisible conditions qualify as disability
• Psychological or psychiatric reports — Getting the Spanish disability certificate (certificado de discapacidad)
• Written authorisation for your representative — Getting the Spanish disability certificate (certificado de discapacidad)

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Disability recognition and benefits: questions that cross several articles

Do I need legal residence to get the disability certificate?

Yes, in practice the certificate is issued to legally resident people who live in the region where they apply. Regions ask for a DNI, NIE or TIE and usually padrón registration, and rules for irregular situations vary by region.

Which disability rights apply to me if I am not a legal resident?

Anti-discrimination protection and basic health and social services apply to everyone in Spain, including emergency care and care for minors. The certificate and the non-contributory pension generally need legal residence. See Disability rights in Spain and what you can actually do.

How do I find my region's disability assessment office?

Search your region's social services website for 'reconocimiento del grado de discapacidad', or ask at your town hall or social services centre for the centro base for your address. You can also call 060.

How is my disability degree worked out for a chronic or invisible condition?

The national scale scores how much the condition limits your daily functioning, then adds personal and social factors, giving a percentage from 0 to 100. A limitation expected to last at least 12 months can count. Read Whether chronic illness or invisible conditions qualify as disability and Getting the Spanish disability certificate (certificado de discapacidad).

Does my disability certificate expire?

It depends on the certificate: a permanent degree does not expire, while a temporary one lapses on the review date it states. Ask for a review before that date. See Reassessment and appeal of your disability degree in Spain.

Residence rules for the certificate and pensions vary by region, so confirm them with your regional social services or the Seguridad Social.