Automatic issuance and renewal of the European Disability Card (EDC).
What does this mean for me?
On 1 January 2024, the method of issuing and renewing the European Disability Card (EDC) changed and is now applicable.
The EDC will be automatically issued and renewed from now on. Read below what that means for you, depending on your particular situation. You can read when and how you will receive the card and what to do if you do not wish to receive the EDC.
- I received my certification of disability after 1 January 2024 and do not yet have an EDC
- I have a certified disability, approved before 1 January 2024, but do not yet have an EDC.
- I submitted a disability application but have not yet received approval
- I do not want to be sent the EDC automatically.
- I already have an EDC, but it will expire soon
- I lost my EDC
- The certification of my disability was done through another institution
I received my certification of disability after 1 January 2024 and do not yet have an EDC.
You do not need to do anything. You will automatically be offered a European Disability Card (EDC) if...
- Your disability application was approved after 1 January 2024
- You were approved for an allowance or support after 1 January 2024, but do not yet have an EDC.
Both involve at least one of the following rights:
- an Income Replacement Allowance (IRA)
- an Integration Allowance (IA)
- the parking pass
- the national reduction card for public transportation
- tax benefits for your own vehicle.
You will receive this card approximately 30 working days after the approval of your application with the Directorate General for Persons with Disabilities (DG HAN).
I have a certified disability, approved before 1 January 2024, but do not yet have an EDC.
You remain entitled to the EDC, of course, but the certification of your disability was done before the automation of the electronic issuance of the EDC.
You will not receive the EDC automatically but can apply for the card via MyHandicap.
You will receive this card approximately 30 working days after the approval of your application with the Directorate General of Persons with Disabilities (DG HAN).
I submitted a disability application but have not yet received confirmation about the application.
Your application is being processed. Once you have been granted one or more of the following rights, you will receive the EDC. It involves at least one of the following rights:
- an Income Replacement Allowance (IRA)
- an Integration Allowance (IA)
- the parking pass
- the national reduction card for public transportation
- tax benefits for your own vehicle.
You will receive this card approximately 30 working days after the approval of your application with the Directorate General of Persons with Disabilities (DG HAN).
I already have an EDC, but it will expire soon.
You will automatically be sent a new EDC if...
- You have an existing certified disability and you already have an EDC
Your EDC is valid for five years and will be automatically renewed if you are still entitled to it. This new EDC is again valid for five years.
Your new EDC will be sent by post.
I do not want to be sent the EDC automatically.
If you do not wish to receive the EDC even though you are entitled to it from 1 January 2024, you can indicate this in your file in MyHandicap when you reapply for your certification.
Changed your mind and wish to receive an EDC after all? No problem. If you are entitled to one, you can still apply for an EDC in your online file in MyHandicap or the online contactform.
I lost my EDC.
If you lose your card, you can request a new card (duplicate) once at the Belgian institution where you are recognised.
The certification of my disability was done through another institution.
If your certification of disability was obtained through Iriscare, Phare, AVIQ, VAPH or DSL, you are entitled to the EDC under the same conditions.
Consult your institutions' website to find out more about the exact procedure.