Disability Certificate for People with Mental Health Conditions

A disability certificate is an official document that the National Insurance Institute issues to people who have received a medical disability diagnosis, such as a mental health condition. With the certificate, people with disabilities can get benefits from different groups.
This article covers everything you need to know about the topic, including who can get a certificate, what the benefits are, and how to get one online.

Eligibility criteria

If National Insurance has determined that you have a mental health condition and are eligible for a disability benefit, you may also be eligible for a disability certificate.

• You would not have to pay income taxes if a medical board looked at you just to see if you were eligible for an exemption and found that you had a medical disability that was at least 90%.
• If you were told you had a physical disability of at least 90% but aren't getting a benefit.
• If your disability benefit was cut off because you got sick pay, worked, or didn't pay your premiums on time, or if you get another benefit that makes you ineligible for a disability benefit, etc.
• If you have been given a disability level of at least 20% from your workplace.
• If you have been given a disability level of at least 10% because of a terrorist act for one long-term impairment.
• Children in foster care who do not receive a disabled child's allowance: National Insurance gets a list of who is eligible from the Ministry of Welfare.

More information about eligibility to receive a disability certificate is on the National Insurance Institute website

Benefits of the certificate

With a disability certificate from the National Insurance Institute, you are eligible for a range of benefits and entitlements, including discounts on public transportation, reduced admission to museums and other attractions, exemption from tolls, discounts or waivers on various fees, and more. In some cases, the certificate also grants exemption from the cost of a companion. If applicable, the benefit ("exemption from payment for a companion") will be listed on the certificate.

For information about eligibility for an exemption from waiting in line or exemption from payment for a companion, please visit on the National Insurance Institute website

Issuing the certificate

If you are eligible for a disability certificate, the National Insurance Institute will mail it to you within a month of getting proof that you are eligible for a disability benefit or that your temporary benefit can be renewed.
It is also possible to make the certificate online through the website of the National Insurance Institute.

To issue a digital disability certificate on the National Insurance Institute website

Certificate use