Applying for the card

What is the European Disability Card?

The European Disability Card is a card you can use when you participate in cultural, sports and leisure activities.

Going to the cinema, a theme park, the theatre, a sports event or a museum? This card enables you to benefit from various advantages.

The advantages that you will receive will depend on the partner accepting the card. Be sure to check the website, social media or advert of the place you are visiting, or contact the partner directly.

You can find all you need to know about the European Disability Card in this online brochure (.pdf).

Attention: the European Disability Card is not valid as a parking card. For that, you still need a specific parking card for people with disabilities (NL/FR/DE).

disability-card-example

Who can apply for the card?

Please note that this information applies to Belgian citizens only.

You can apply for the card if you are recognised by or receive help from an official institution for persons with disabilities.

Children receiving increased child benefit are also entitled to a European Disability Card.

The six Belgian institutions are:

How do I apply for the card?

Please note that this information applies to Belgian citizens only.

On 1 January 2024, this the method of issuing and renewing the European Disability Card (EDC). The EDC will be automatically issued and renewed from now on.

Read what that means for you, depending on your particular situation

Find out more about the exact procedure for every institution

I am recognized by the Federal Public Service Social Security

  • If you received your certification of disability after 1 January 2024 and do not yet have an EDC, you will automatically be offered a European Disability Card (EDC).
  • When your EDC expires, it will be automatically renewed.
  • If you have a certified disability, approved before 1 January 2024, but do not yet have an EDC, you need to apply for the EDC.
    • You can apply for the card via the digital service point My Handicap. If you need help navigating the online application process, please consult this website.
    • You can apply for the card by filling in the contact form of the Directorate General for Persons with Disabilities.  
    • You can also send a letter to the following address:
      Federale Overheidsdienst Sociale Zekerheid
      Directie-generaal Personen met een handicap
      Kruidtuinlaan 50 bus 150
      1000 Brussels

I am recognized by the Vlaams Agentschap voor Personen met een Handicap (VAPH)

  • If you received your certification of disability after 1 January 2024 and do not yet have an EDC, you will automatically be offered a European Disability Card (EDC).
  • When your EDC expires, it will be automatically renewed.
  • If you have a certified disability, approved before 1 January 2024, but do not yet have an EDC, you need to apply for the EDC.

I am recognized by the Agence pour une Vie de Qualité (AViQ)

I am recognized by Service public francophone bruxellois (Phare)

  • If you received your certification of disability after 1 January 2024 and do not yet have an EDC, you will automatically be offered a European Disability Card (EDC).
  • When your EDC expires, it will be automatically renewed.
  • If you have a certified disability, approved before 1 January 2024, but do not yet have an EDC, you need to apply for the EDC.
    • You can apply for the card by sending a letter to the following address:
      Dienst Phare
      Paleizenstraat 42
      1030 Brussels
    • You can also call 02 800 82 03 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm, except on Wednesdays) or email info.phare@spfb.brussels. When submitting your application, include your first name and surname, your date of birth and your National Register Number.
    • You can also visit the office to apply for the card. Remember to make an appointment first. You can do this by calling or emailing them (see contact details above)

I am recognized by Iriscare (Centre de l'évaluation de l'autonomie et du handicap)

  • If you received your certification of disability after 1 January 2024 and do not yet have an EDC, you will automatically be offered a European Disability Card (EDC).
  • When your EDC expires, it will be automatically renewed.
  • If you have a certified disability, approved before 1 January 2024, but do not yet have an EDC, you need to apply for the EDC. You can apply for the card by contacting the Centre
    • by e-mail : autonomie-handicap@iriscare.brussels
    • by phone  : 0800 35499
    • via the postal address: :       
      Iriscare - Centre d'évaluation de l'autonomie et du handicap
      Rue de Trèves, 70 boîte 2
      1000 Bruxelles.

I am recognized by Dienststelle für Selbstbestimmtes Leben (DSL)

  • If you received your certification of disability after 1 January 2024 and do not yet have an EDC, you will automatically be offered a European Disability Card (EDC).
  • When your EDC expires, it will be automatically renewed.
  • If you have a certified disability, approved before 1 January 2024, but do not yet have an EDC, you need to apply for the EDC.
    • You can apply for the card by calling 08 009 00 11 or emailing info@selbstbestimmt.be.
    • You can also visit the office to apply for the card. Their visiting address is:
      Vennbahnstraße 4/4
      4780 Sankt Vith

Frequently asked questions about the card

Read the most frequently asked questions about the European Disability Card.

Do you have any questions?

Do you have questions about the European Disability Card (EDC)? Then first check out our answers to frequently asked questions.

For questions about your personal file (e.g. "Where is my card?" or "Why did I get a card?"), contact the institution that recognised your disability directly.

Please note:
The general contact form on this website and the e-mail address EUdisabilitycard@minsoc.fed.be are intended for general questions about the EDC or (future) partners and organisations.

We will try to answer your question within 2 working days.