Multipurpose disability certificate: what it is and how to apply for it step by step
Have you heard of the multipurpose disability certificate, but still do not quite know what it is or what it is for? Do not worry! We are here to clear up all your questions, from the meaning of this document to the process for obtaining it. Shall we get started?
Multipurpose disability certificate: what it is
The Multipurpose Medical Certificate of Incapacity (Atestado Médico de Incapacidade Multiuso), commonly called the "multipurpose certificate", is an official document that confirms that a person has a physical, mental or other disability, assigning them a degree as a percentage. This degree is defined on the basis of the National Incapacity Table (Tabela Nacional de Incapacidades, TNI) and can be temporary or permanent.
And what is it for?
It is simple: this certificate is the “key” that opens the door to various social, tax and economic benefits for those who have a degree of incapacity equal to or greater than 60%. For those with a degree below 60%, the certificate remains relevant, although the benefits are more limited. But what does this actually mean? Below, find out about the benefits in both cases.
Degree of incapacity equal to or greater than 60%: benefits of the multipurpose certificate
If you have this certificate and the incapacity is equal to or greater than 60%, based on the TNI you are entitled to a series of benefits. Here are the main ones:
Tax benefits
- IRS (personal income tax): a special regime with exclusive deductions and tax reductions
- Vehicles: exemption from ISV (the vehicle tax), from VAT on the purchase of your own car and from IUC (the annual road tax).
Social benefits
- Social Benefit for Inclusion (Prestação Social para a Inclusão, PSI)
- Family allowance supplement
- Special education allowance.
Health
- Exemption from user charges in the SNS (the Portuguese National Health Service)
- Subsidised medicines
- Assistive products, such as wheelchairs, glasses, walking sticks or adjustable beds, funded at 100%
- Non-emergency patient transport.
Housing and mobility
- Subsidised home loan (a lower interest rate)
- A cap on rent increases
- IMI (municipal property tax) exemption
- Discounts on public transport
- Parking card for people with reduced mobility.
Employment and education
Employment quotas for people with disabilities
Flexible working hours and other workplace adaptations
Scholarships and a special quota for access to higher education.
Other rights
Priority service in public services
Discounts on telecommunications.
Degree of incapacity below 60%: benefits of the multipurpose certificate
The possibility of workplace adjustments such as flexible hours or equipment adaptations
Access to support programmes and specific health services such as medical treatments or rehabilitation
The possibility of exemption from or reduction of user charges for appointments and tests in the SNS (the Portuguese National Health Service)
Some medicines may be subsidised, reducing the cost of healthcare treatments
The possibility of access to specialist transport for non-emergency treatments
Parking card for people with reduced mobility.
How can I start to enjoy the benefits?
After obtaining the certificate, hand in a copy to the Finanças (the tax authority) and the Segurança Social (Social Security) in your area of residence.
Who can apply for the certificate?
The Multipurpose Certificate is intended for people who have a physical or mental disability, or a serious clinical condition that significantly affects their daily life. To obtain the document, you need to present medical reports or other tests that prove the situation.
How do you apply for the multipurpose certificate?
The process may seem a little bureaucratic, but do not worry: we explain everything step by step.
- Request the medical report: the first step is to ask your attending doctor for a detailed report describing your clinical situation. It should include the date of diagnosis and any additional tests
- Application for assessment: with the report in hand, go to the health centre in your area of residence and hand in an application addressed to the chair of the board of the local health unit
- Scheduling the medical board: after submission, you will be called for an assessment by the medical board, which must take place within a maximum of 60 days. If you cannot travel for serious reasons, you can ask for the assessment to be carried out at home. If you need transport, count on Ambula!
- Result and issuing: after the assessment, the degree of incapacity will be assigned and the certificate issued. In the case of cancer patients, the certificate is issued directly by a hospital doctor and assigns at least 60% incapacity for a period of five years.
How long does it take to be issued?
After making the application for assessment, you will be notified within 60 days with the date and time of the medical board appointment, where the degree of incapacity will be assigned based on the conditions presented. In some cases, the board may waive the in-person assessment. After the appointment, the certificate is issued and given to the patient.
How much does it cost?
- First issue: 12.50 euros
- Appeal: 25 euros
- Review or reassessment: 5 euros
- Permanent renewal: No charge.
How long is it valid for?
- Permanent incapacity: valid for life
- Temporary incapacity: subject to reassessment within the stated period.
And if you do not agree with the degree of incapacity?
You have 30 days to lodge an appeal with the Direção-Geral da Saúde (the Directorate-General of Health), requesting a reassessment by an appeal medical board.
If you need transport to get to the health centre or to take the necessary tests, you can count on Ambula. We offer you a safe and comfortable service, so that you can take care of your health with the quality and peace of mind you deserve.
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