UDID Card Benefits – Uses, Eligibility & Key Advantages

Key Insights 

1. If you have an official UDID Card, you can get big discounts on train tickets and receive priority service at the UDID Card benefits in hospital.
    
2. If you want to get the card, you must have a recognised condition like cerebral palsy or a locomotor disability.
    
3. You can apply online and complete a medical board assessment. Once approved, your card will be sent to you by Speed Post and will be valid for life.

Do you want to make the most of inclusion? You can learn about the many benefits of the UDID card benefits in railway and government services. Even a temporary UDID card benefits gives you important access and support while your application is being processed.

The UDID card works like a universal access key, helping to create a more inclusive society. It is an official document that proves a person’s disability and gives them access to UDID card benefits in government job, priority in UDID card benefits in hospital, and discounts on important services.

Example:

Using my UDID card, I received a 50% discount on train tickets and saved over ₹2,500 on a single trip. I was also able to register more quickly at a government hospital, which reduced my wait time from 3 hours to just 30 minutes.

Bonus Tip: If you have received your UDID, you can update your name, email, mobile number, gender, and Aadhaar details by logging into the PwD Login Dashboard. After the concerned Issuing Medical Authority, CMO, or DMO approves your request, your details will be updated successfully.

Benefits of the Unique Disability Identification Card (UDID)

The UDID Card gives you access to important rights and makes it easier to access UDID card benefits in government job, concessions, and inclusive services across the country. 

• The UDID card gives each person with a disability a unique identification number, which helps keep their personal records organised.
• The card lists details about your type and level of disability. This helps authorities provide services that better match your needs.
• With a UDID card, you can quickly access many services for people with disabilities, offered by both government and private organisations.
• You can apply for the UDID card online, which saves time and makes the process easier for everyone.
• A central database keeps information current and helps deliver services to people with disabilities in an organised way.
• Having a UDID card makes it easier for you to get government benefits, discounts, and other privileges meant for you.
• The unique disability ID in India acts as proof when you apply for disability services or benefits.
• The UDID card stores all your information in one place, so you do not have to carry different documents when applying for benefits.
• The card helps build an inclusive community for people with disabilities and supports everyone’s financial and physical well-being.

The UDID card makes it easier for people to access their rights and benefits, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.

Eligibility Criteria for Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card

Start by learning about the UDID Card eligibility criteria. This is an important first step to getting the support and benefits you need.

• Blindness: This includes total blindness, visual acuity less than 6/60 or 20/200 in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a field of vision limited to 20 degrees or less.
• Low vision: This means having impaired vision even after receiving corrective treatment.
• Cerebral palsy: This is a non-progressive condition that causes abnormal motor control due to brain damage that happens during pregnancy, birth, or early infancy.
• Intellectual disability: This is a condition where mental development is incomplete, resulting in below-average intelligence.
• Mental illness: This refers to any mental health condition except for intellectual disability.
• Hearing impairment: This means a hearing loss of 60 decibels or more in the better ear, within the range of sounds used for conversation.
• Leprosy cured: This applies if you have been cured of leprosy but still have sensory loss in your hands, feet, eyes, or eyelids. It also includes visible deformity and weakness if you can still do normal activities, or severe physical deformity that prevents you from working.
• Locomotor disability: This refers to any condition, including cerebral palsy, that limits movement of the limbs, joints, bones, or muscles.

You need to know these specific conditions to apply for and get your UDID Card benefits.

Step-by-Step Process of UDID Card 

Follow our step-by-step guide to make the UDID Card application easy, from filling out the online form to getting your certificate whether you want the UDID card benefits in railway.

1. Applicants should use the portal to apply for a new UDID card or to renew their card if they have a temporary one.
2. The application is sent to the Chief Medical Officer, District Medical Officer, or the notified hospital in the applicant’s district, depending on where the applicant is receiving treatment for their disability.
3. After the application is verified, the CMO, DMO, or another authorised medical authority assigns specialist doctors to assess the application.
4. The specialist doctor examines the applicant on a scheduled date and then submits an assessment report to the medical board.
5. The medical board decides the percentage and type of disability, the validity of the certificate, and other related matters. The board then informs the relevant CMO, DMO, or medical authority of its decision.
6. When the CMO or DMO enters the assessment details, a UDID card or disability certificate is generated. The plastic UDID card is then sent to the applicant by Speed Post.

The process, starting with your portal application and including a medical assessment, makes sure your official UDID Card is checked and delivered safely.

Conclusion

The UDID Card helps people access important rights and benefits more easily. If you know what it offers, such as railway discounts and hospital priority, meet the eligibility requirements, and follow the application steps, you can get better support for your well-being.

FAQs

Do less than 40% of disabled people in India have the identification required to receive benefits? 

By late 2025, fewer than 40% of people with disabilities in India had received the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card. This card is needed to access important government benefits, scholarships, and other support. More than 11 lakh applications are still pending, and delays continue to be a major issue.

Does anyone know if colleges accept a disability certificate as proof, or is a UDID absolutely required? 

Most colleges accept the original Disability Certificate from a recognised medical board as proof for PwD quotas and accommodations. However, more institutions, especially those following central schemes, now also ask for the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card. 

What is the benefit of a UDID card?  

The UDID (Unique Disability ID) card provides Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with a single identity that is recognised throughout India. With this card, it becomes simpler to get government benefits, schemes, scholarships, and concessions for travel, education, and healthcare. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a disabled person in India?  

Disabled people in India face many challenges, including poor accessibility, social stigma, discrimination in education and jobs, and financial difficulties. While some government programs, like the Unique Disability ID, and changing attitudes offer small improvements, these are often outweighed by ongoing barriers and negative perceptions.

What is the validity of a UDID?

Adults receive a UDID that is valid for life. For children under 18, the UDID must be updated every five years.