Common Reasons Disability Certificate Applications Get Rejected

Applying for a Disability Certificate can be a step for a person with a disability and their family. A valid Certificate and UDID card can help with identification, verification and access to government schemes and benefits.

Applications are processed through the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system. The portal allows applicants to submit their details, upload documents, track the application and complete the required assessment through authorised medical authorities.

Sometimes an application may be rejected after assessment. In some cases, problems with the application or assessment process may cause delays or require the applicant to take further action.

Knowing the difference between these situations can help applicants understand what happened and what they can do next.

Common Reasons Disability Certificate Applications May Face Problems

It is useful to make a distinction here. Not every issue that affects an application is a reason for rejection under the Government of India’s current UDID procedure. Some issues may instead cause delays, require clarification or make it harder for the medical authority to complete the assessment.

1. The Assessment Does Not Establish a Specified Disability

One reason for rejection is when the assessment concludes that the applicant does not have a specified disability under the applicable government framework.

Under Section 58 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, the certifying authority assesses the applicant according to the guidelines notified under the Act. After the assessment, the authority may issue a Disability Certificate. Inform the person that they do not have a specified disability.

This means that having a health condition or experiencing difficulties in life does not by itself guarantee that a Disability Certificate will be issued. The assessment has to be carried out according to the notified guidelines.

DEPwD currently lists the notified guidelines for assessing the extent of specified disabilities, dated March 14, 2024.

2. The Applicant Does Not Attend the Required Assessment

A medical assessment is a part of the certification process. An applicant may therefore face problems if they do not appear for the required assessment.​

The current DEPwD SOP specifically provides for rejection where the applicant does not appear for assessment despite five attempts over two months. These attempts can be phone calls, SMS or email.

This is important because missing one appointment should not be described as a rejection under the current procedure. If you receive information about an assessment appointment, check the registered number, email address and UDID portal. If you cannot attend, contact the authority as soon as possible and ask what steps are available.

3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Application Information

Applicants should be careful while entering information on the UDID portal. ​

The official UDID guidance lists documents such as a passport photograph, signature or thumb impression, identity proof and relevant medical records as part of the application process.

Incorrect personal details, outdated contact information or other inconsistencies may create difficulties during processing or communication.

However, it is important not to describe every field or documentation issue as an official ground for rejection. The current 2026 rejection SOP specifies circumstances for rejection.

The safest approach is to provide accurate information and respond promptly if the assessing authority asks for clarification.

4. Medical Records or Supporting Information Need Clarification

Relevant medical records can help the authorised medical authority understand the applicant’s condition and conduct the assessment. The UDID guidance specifically includes medical records among the documents applicants may need to provide.

If the information that the applicant submits does not give context for the assessment, the applicant may have to provide more information or attend another evaluation as required by the concerned authority.

Families should therefore keep reports and records together before the applicant attends the assessment. These may include medical reports, diagnostic records, therapy records or other documents that are relevant to the condition being assessed.

The exact documents required can vary depending on the type of disability and the assessment process.

5. The Assessment Outcome Does Not Match the Applicant’s Expectation

Sometimes the applicant may expect a disability category or percentage based on a previous diagnosis or on everyday difficulties. However, the certification is determined through the authorized assessment process.

The certifying authority must assess the disability according to the government guidelines.

A diagnosis and disability certification are related. The applicant should not treat them as the same process.

For example, having a diagnosis does not automatically mean that the applicant will receive a particular disability percentage. The authorized authority determines the certification outcome based on the assessment guidelines.

6. The Applicant’s Circumstances Require Further Assessment or Clarification

Some applications may require the authority to look more closely at the applicant’s condition before arriving at an assessment outcome.

The process can differ depending on the type of disability. Different disabilities have assessment requirements, and the Government has notified guidelines for assessing the extent of specified disabilities.

The applicant should therefore avoid comparing the applicant’s assessment with another person’s experience. Two people may have diagnoses but different assessment outcomes because their functional characteristics and other relevant factors may differ.

What Are the Formal Reasons for Rejection?

The Government of India’s current 2026 SOP on rejection of applications through the UDID portal identifies situations in which an application may be rejected.

These include:

The assessment does not establish a disability.

The authorised medical authority may reject the application when the assessment concludes that the applicant does not have a disability.

The applicant does not attend the assessment despite repeated attempts to contact the applicant.

The SOP provides for rejection when the applicant does not appear despite five attempts over two months.

The applicant has died.

Where the applicant has died, the application is handled through the system process.

These formal grounds should be distinguished from application problems such as incorrect information or documents that require clarification.

What Happens When a Disability Certificate Application Is Rejected?

If an application is rejected following assessment, the applicant should first check the reason recorded on the UDID portal.

The current procedure provides for communication of the rejection reason through the process. Where the assessment concludes that the applicant does not have a disability, the rejection information is provided through Form VIII on the UDID portal.

This allows the applicant to understand why the certification decision was made.

Upon immediately submitting another application, the applicant should read the rejection information carefully. This can help the applicant understand whether the next appropriate step is to seek reassessment, appeal the decision or follow another process for the applicant’s circumstances.​

Can You Appeal a Rejected Disability Certificate Application?

Yes. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 provides the applicant with the right to appeal against a decision of the certifying authority.

Section 59 of the Act deals with an appeal against a decision of the certifying authority.

The DEPwD has also issued a Standard Operating Procedure for requesting reassessment under Section 59.

The current rejection procedure provides 90 days for filing an appeal against the rejection under the applicable procedure.

If the applicant disagrees with the assessment decision, the applicant should carefully review the rejection information. Follow the applicable appellate process rather than assuming that the rejection is final.

What If the Applicant Could Not Attend the Assessment?

If the applicant does not appear for assessment, the current SOP provides a process before the application is rejected.

The applicant must have failed to appear despite many attempts to contact the applicant.

The SOP refers to five attempts over two months through channels such as phone calls, SMS or email.

If the application has already been rejected for this reason, the applicant may have the option to submit an application using the earlier enrollment or application number, subject to the system’s validation process.

Can You Reapply After a Rejection?

In some situations, the current UDID procedure allows the applicant to submit a fresh application after rejection.

For example, the procedure allows an application when the applicant missed the assessment. Use the enrollment or application number from the rejected application to validate the system.

The SOP also allows an application in certain situations after an appeal if the appellate authority has not acted within the specified time.

The exact process depends on the reason for rejection and the applicant’s circumstances. Before reapplying, check the information on the UDID portal. Follow the instructions that apply to the applicant.

Is Below 40% Disability a Reason for Rejection?

This is a point because 40% is often mentioned in discussions about disability benefits.

A Disability Certificate should not automatically be described as unavailable to a person assessed below 40% disability.

DEP wD issued an advisory in July 2024 about issuing Disability Certificates and UDID cards to persons assessed below 40% disability.

The percentage required for a benefit or entitlement can differ from the question of whether a person can receive a Disability Certificate or UDID card.

Therefore, applicants should check the eligibility requirements of the scheme or benefit they want to access instead of assuming that the 40% benchmark applies to every aspect of disability certification.

How Can You Reduce Problems During the Application Process?

Although an applicant cannot control the outcome of an assessment, a few simple steps can make the process easier.

Keep Your Contact Details Updated

Use a mobile number and email address when applying. Check them regularly for messages about appointments, verification or other updates.

Track Your Application

Use the UDID portal to track the application status. This helps the applicant identify whether an assessment or another action is pending.

Attend the Required Assessment

Make arrangements to attend the assessment when instructed. If the applicant faces difficulty in attending, contact the concerned authority instead of missing the appointment.

Keep Relevant Records

Keep copies of reports, diagnostic documents, previous Disability Certificates, if applicable and other relevant records. Carry the documents requested for the applicant’s assessment.

Check Your Application Details

Review the information entered in the applicant’s application carefully. Make sure the applicant’s name, contact details, address and other information are accurate.

Read the Rejection Reason Carefully

If the applicant’s application is rejected, check the rejection information on the UDID portal. Understanding the recorded reason is the first step in deciding what to do next.

What Should You Do After a Rejection?

A rejected Disability Certificate application can leave families unsure about their next step. Start by identifying the reason for rejection.

If the rejection is based on the assessment and the applicant disagrees with the decision, check the appeal mechanism under Section 59 of the RPwD Act and the applicable DEPwD procedure.

If the rejection is because the applicant did not attend the assessment, check whether a fresh application can be submitted under the UDID procedure.

If the issue relates to information or documentation, check the application status and instructions provided through the portal. Contact the concerned authority for clarification.

It also helps to keep a record of the application number, assessment details, rejection information and any communication received from the authorities.

Understanding the Disability Certificate Rejection Process

A Disability Certificate is issued after assessment by an authority under the legal and medical framework notified by the Government.

This means that certification is not based on a person’s diagnosis or on how difficult a condition may feel in everyday life. The assessment must follow the guidelines for the specified disability. Sections 56 to 59 of the RPwD Act cover assessment guidelines, certifying authorities, certification and appeals.

Understanding the reason for rejection and following the process can help families take the next step with greater clarity.

Need More Support?

If the applicant has questions about disability certificates, UDID, government schemes or support for a child or adult with a disability, the Nayi Disha team can help the applicant find information and resources.

Families can also connect with caregivers through Nayi Disha Support Groups to share experiences and learn from others navigating similar situations.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or WhatsApp us. Our counsellors speak different languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.  

Conclusion

A Disability Certificate application can be rejected for reasons under the Government of India’s UDID procedure. The important formal grounds include an assessment that does not establish a specified disability and failure to attend the required assessment despite the prescribed attempts to contact the applicant.

If a disability certificate application is rejected, check the reason recorded on the UDID portal and understand your options for you. Depending on circumstances, you may. Submit a fresh application. Keeping details updated, attending assessment, maintaining records and tracking disability certificate applications can also help navigate the process smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do if my disability certificate is rejected?

If a disability certificate application is rejected, first check the reason given through the UDID portal. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal against the decision of the certifying authority under Section 59 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. Under the rules, the reason for rejection is communicated through Form VIII, and an appeal can be filed within 90 days of rejection. Depending on circumstances, you may also submit an application.

2. How many days will it take to get a disability certificate?

Under the provisions, the medical authority should issue disability certificates and UDID cards within three months when disability is diagnosed. The actual time may vary depending on assessment, verification and processing at the concerned medical authority.

3. How to check disability certificate status online?

You can check your disability certificate or UDID application status through the UDID portal. Use the “Track Your Application Status” option. Enter Enrollment Number, UDID Number, Aadhaar Number or registered mobile number to view application status.

4. Can a disability certificate be cancelled?

Yes. The government has an SOP for deactivating or cancelling disability certificates and UDID cards. Cancellation or deactivation is therefore possible in situations covered by the procedure. One should not assume that a disability certificate is cancelled simply because a person’s disability percentage changes or because the disability certificate has a validity period.

5. How many years is a disability certificate valid?

There is no validity period that applies to every disability certificate. Medical authorities may issue certificates when there is no expected improvement in the degree of disability. Where the degree of disability may improve over time, certificates can be issued with validity periods.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or financial advice. Please consult a qualified legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.