Disability certification and utilization pattern in persons with mental illness

Background: Disability certification is an essential requirement to avail of the various disability benefits including disability pension, family pension, insurance, income tax rebate, travel concession etc. The lack of awareness among persons with mental illness and their caregivers is a major barrier in availing such benefits. Aim of the study: To assess the socio-demographic and clinical variables along with the pattern of utilization of disability certificates for disability benefits by the persons with disability (PwD) having a mental illness. Materials and Methods:  Consecutive patients who obtained disability certificates due to mental illness in the last 5.5 years were contacted and their responses were recorded on a semi-structured questionnaire telephonically. Result: Over a period of 5.5 years 123 certificates were issued to individuals of which 100 were contacted. Out of the 123 cases, 11 could not be contacted, one patient didn't collect the certificate to date, 6 patients expired after obtaining the certificate and 5 didn't come for reassessment.  Out of the 100 cases who participated in the study, 91 persons (91%) mentioned that these certificates were useful for them. Regarding the disability-related benefits, 51% had received a disability pension, 43% used it for travel concession and the rest (1% to 9%) used it for getting income tax rebates, insurance and family pension.  While exploring and interviewing for additional benefits other than those available currently by the Government of India, 13% wanted to get free medicines, 17% wanted increased job opportunities and 2% wanted to have a smooth procedure for availing benefits. Of those contacted, 19% also disseminated the information about the disability certification and the related benefits to other needy persons. Conclusion:  The utilization of disability certificates by those with mental illness is largely limited mostly to availing pension or travel concession. Keywords: Disability, certification, utilization, mental illnes