“New Regulation for Issuing Identity Cards to Persons with Disabilities Published in Official Gazette”
Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services has published a new regulation on issuing identity cards to persons with disabilities and establishing a national disability data system. The regulation has been introduced to facilitate disabled citizens in obtaining various services and rights, as well as providing them with discounts on certain services.
Under the new regulation, a ‘Disabled Identity Card’ will be issued to individuals who are documented to be 40 percent or more disabled, according to the health board report. Children under the age of 18 can also obtain this card if they have been diagnosed with a disability at least equivalent to this rate. Additionally, children with a need level can also apply for the card.
To apply for the ‘Disabled Identity Card’, individuals who meet the specified criteria must submit their identity card and disability health card along with two photographs to the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services or Social Service Center in their province. Alternatively, applications can be made through the e-Government portal. Citizens with a disability of 40 percent or more must apply through e-Government if their health reports were given before 2019.
Persons with disabilities who possess a ‘Disabled Identity Card’ will be entitled to a 20% discount on all domestic and international flights. They can also visit museums, historical sites, national parks, nature protection areas, and nature parks free of charge. In addition, they can benefit from State theaters free of charge, and GSM operators have special tariffs for disabled people.
The new regulation is designed to improve the lives of disabled citizens and ensure that they have access to services and benefits to which they are entitled. In case of an emergency, the issued ID cards will be delivered to the addresses of individuals registered in the Central Population Administration System or to the address on which they have applied, by registered mail and with a return receipt.
