Frequently asked questions about the card

Can I use the European Disability Card as a parking card?

No, the European Disability Card is not valid as a parking card. So you cannot park in a reserved space for people with disabilities. For that, you still need a specific parking card for people with disabilities. You can find all information about the parking card (NL/FR/DE) on the website of the DG Persons with Disabilities.

I already have a parking card. Do I need to apply for a European Disability Card?

Yes, the parking card and European Disability Card must be applied for separately. If you already have a parking card and you also want to have a European Disability Card, you can apply for one via the FPS Social Security.

How long will the application process take?

After you have submitted your application, you will receive your card through the post within around four weeks.

How long is my European Disability Card valid for? What do I do when it expires?

The European Disability Card is valid for five years. After this period, you can request a new card from the Belgian institution that recognises you as disabled.

I lost my card. What do I do?

If you lose your card, you can apply for a new card (duplicate) one time only from the Belgian institution that recognises you as disabled.

Am I allowed to share the card with someone else?

No, the European Disability Card is strictly personal. You only receive advantages if you have your card with you and can present it.

How do I know which organisations accept the card?

You can easily recognise the partners that accept the card, as they will have this label (.pdf).

If you're not sure if an organisation accepts the card, be sure to check the website, social media or advert of the place you are visiting or contact the organisation directly.

Discover the overview of all the partners that accept the card and offer advantages.

The theme park I'm visiting has never heard of the card. What do I do?

You can ask whether the organisation offers other advantages to persons with disabilities.

If the organisation wants to accept the card but is not yet registered as an EDC partner, you can refer them to this website or advise them to email EUdisabilitycard@minsoc.fed.be.

Can I receive a discount on train, bus or airline tickets with the card?

No, the European Disability card only applies to cultural, sports and leisure activities. Therefore, you will not receive a discount on public transport.

My child is recognised as a person with a disability and splits their time between their father's and mother's house. Can I apply for two cards?

No, each person can only receive one card and the card is strictly personal. You only receive advantages if you have your card with you and can present it.

I live abroad and am recognised as a person with a disability abroad. I often go to Belgium. Am I entitled to a card?

• Persons living abroad and recognised as persons with a disability there cannot apply for the EDC in Belgium. This also applies if they travel frequently to Belgium.
  However, it is recommended that when visiting Belgium such persons carry their certificates or proof of the recognition of their disability to prove that they have a disability.
• Only persons recognised and living in the following countries can apply for an EDC in their own country: Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Malta, Romania and Slovenia. Each country has its own conditions for applying for the card.
• No EDC cards are sent abroad, including for Belgians who after being recognised as persons with a disability in Belgium move abroad.

In which countries can I use the European Disability Card?

You can use the card in Belgium and in seven other countries: Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Malta, Romania and Slovenia. The European Disability Card is not (yet) recognised in other European countries, such as France or Germany.

Visit the European Commission's website for more information.

How accessible are sports, culture and leisure for persons with disabilities?

Are you looking for more information about the accessibility of activities for persons with disabilities? Take a look at these websites:

• Le CAWaB (Collectif Accessibilité Wallonie-Bruxelles)
• Toegankelijkvlaanderen
• Access-i
• UNIA (Centre for Equal Opportunities)