It is important to know the Government’s definition of Disability
THE 2010 EQUALITY ACT
This act does not apply to Northern Ireland – click here for more details
You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2020 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
What does ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ mean?
‘SUBSTANTIAL’ is more than minor or trivial, eg: it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed
‘LONG-TERM’ means 12 months or more, eg: a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection
Progressive conditions
A progressive condition is one that gets worse over time. People with progressive conditions can be classed as disabled.
However, you automatically meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you’re diagnosed with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis.
What isn’t counted as a disability
Click Here for guidance on conditions that aren’t covered by the disability definition, eg: addiction to non-prescribed drugs or alcohol.
Here is a further guide to help
Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions
Medical conditions, disabilities and driving
Financial help if you’re disabled