1. The introduction of new regulations: a fundamental shift from "seeing symptoms" to "assessing functions"

Based on the national standards of "Disability Classification and Grading of Disabled Persons" and the "Measures for the Administration of Disability Pensions", it has completely overturned the previous assessment logic of "only the type of disease and the severity of the disease". The Ministry of Veterans Affairs, China Disabled Persons' Federation and other departments have made it clear that the core basis for issuance of disability certificates is "long-term irreversible physical dysfunction" rather than the name of the disease or the severity of the condition. This adjustment aims to allow groups that really need protection to enjoy policy dividends, eliminate illegal occupation of protection resources, and make disability assessment fairer and more scientific.

2. Clear prohibition: these three categories of people will not be able to apply for a disability certificate

According to the new regulations and local implementation conditions, the following three categories of people cannot apply for disability certificates even if they hold medical records or diagnosis certificates. If you do not meet the conditions for applying for a disability certificate, your application will be rejected:

1. Seriously ill patients without long-term irreversible functional impairment

The new regulations make it clear that "illness ≠ disability, serious illness ≠ disability". Patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, uremia, liver cirrhosis, severe pneumonia, etc., who have not caused long-term functional impairment in limbs, vision, hearing, speech, intelligence, spirit, etc., are able to take care of themselves and have unrestricted social participation, will not be able to apply for a disability certificate. For example, patients with early-stage cancer who fully recover after treatment, or patients with diabetes who do not suffer from complications such as vision loss or foot lesions do not meet the assessment standards.

2. Those with reversible injuries or short-term functional impairment

Fractures, soft tissue injuries, short-term hearing/vision loss, etc., if they can be fully recovered with regular treatment, do not fall into the category of "long-term irreversible" and cannot apply for a disability certificate. The new regulations have clear requirements for "stability": physical and visual impairments must be stable for more than 6 months, mental and intellectual disabilities must be stable for 1-2 years, and there is no significant improvement after treatment before they can apply for assessment. For example, a temporary fracture caused by a traffic accident, but the function returns to normal after recovery, is not eligible for application.

3. Those with impairment in one eye or one ear or those who have not reached the minimum level

The national standard clearly states that visual disability is based on the "best corrected visual acuity of both eyes" and hearing disability is based on the "average hearing loss in both ears". Those who are blind in one eye or deaf in one ear and have normal function of the other eye/ear do not fall into the category of disability. At the same time, the disability assessment is divided into four levels (level one is the most severe and level four is the lightest), and one must meet the standard of level four or above in any category to apply for a certificate. For example, mild myopia (corrected visual acuity ≥ 0.3) and mild hearing loss (loss in both ears ≤ 40dBHL) do not meet the minimum admission standards.

3. The core of the new regulations: the 7 categories of disability assessment standards are clear at a glance

Disability assessment is strictly limited to 7 categories, all based on functional impairment and not mixed with disease factors:

Visual disability: corrected visual acuity in both eyes <0.3 (Level 4 standard), unilateral impairment is not included;

Hearing disability: hearing loss in both ears ≥41dBHL (Level 4 standard), unilateral impairment is not included;

Speech Disability: Speech intelligibility is 51%-70% (Level 4 standard), which does not heal after more than 1 year of treatment;

Physical disability: loss of a single calf, unequal length of both lower limbs ≥ 5cm, etc. (Level 4 standard), affecting motor function;

Intelligence Physical disability: the intelligence level is lower than that of ordinary people, accompanied by adaptive behavioral disorders;

Mental disability: the mental disorder lasts for more than 1 year, and social functions are impaired;

Multiple disabilities: two or more types of disabilities exist at the same time, and the classification is based on the most severe level.

4. Upgraded convenience: cross-provincial service + door-to-door service, more efficient processing

While strict standards, the new regulations also introduce a number of convenience measures:

1. Inter-provincial processing: Applicants who have lived in another place for more than 6 months and hold a local residence permit can handle 6 services such as new application, renewal, and replacement at the place of residence without returning to the place of residence;

2. Online application: Applications can be submitted through the National Disabled Persons' Federation information service platform and the National Government Service Platform, and materials can be submitted without leaving home;

3. Door-to-door service: For severely disabled people with limited mobility , providing door-to-door services for disability assessment and material collection;

4. Simplification of the process: After the competent department receives the materials, it will notify the requirements for corrections at once within 7 working days, issue an acceptance notice within 20 working days, and the entire approval process will be open and transparent.

5. Tips to avoid pitfalls: These misunderstandings must be avoided

1. Do not believe in "paying money to buy a certificate" or "looking for connections to speed up": the whole process of applying for a disability certificate is free, and it is verified online nationwide. If you apply for a certificate in violation of regulations, it will be cancelled, and you will not be able to reapply within 1 year, which will affect your personal credit;

2. Materials must be true and valid: only diagnosis certificates, hospitalization records, and test reports from public hospitals of grade II and above are recognized. Community clinics and private hospital certificates are invalid;

3. Note on late applications: new assessments must be submitted within 3 years of disability or diagnosis of occupational diseases, and application for grade adjustment must be made 1 year after the last assessment. Repeat applications are not allowed without new materials.

Before applying, it is recommended to conduct a self-examination against the dysfunction standards, prepare complete and authentic materials, and make reasonable use of convenient channels such as cross-provincial processing and online processing to avoid wasting a trip due to misunderstanding of policies. If you have any questions during the implementation of the policy, you can consult the relevant local departments.