A person is recognized as having a disability based on the results of an assessment of their functionality.

The degrees of functional limitation are:

• mild,
• moderate,
• severe,
• profound.

• If the degree of functional limitation is less than 4%, the person is not recognized as having a disability.

• If it is between 5–24%, the person is not recognized as having a disability; this is defined as a mild functional limitation.

• If it is between 25–49%, the person is recognized as having a disability; this is defined as a moderate functional limitation.

• If it is between 50–74%, it is defined as a severe functional limitation.

• If it is between 75–100%, it is defined as a profound functional limitation.

In all cases, an individual service plan is developed for the person. Based on the assessment criteria and tools, they are guaranteed access to services as well as disability benefits.

Yes, it is.

If your health condition worsens after a previous assessment, you have the opportunity to apply for a new assessment at any time by submitting all required documents regarding your current health status.

 Disability benefits are assigned to people with disabilities who do not have the right to receive a pension, as well as to individuals recognized as children with disabilities.

Cases for assigning a disability pension are detailed in the "Guide to Receiving a Pension."

The disability benefit is set for the entire duration of the disability.

Depending on the disability category (degree of functional limitation), the benefit amounts are:

• AMD  39,000 per month for persons with a profound functional limitation (Group 1 disability).
• AMD  37,500 per month for persons with a severe functional limitation (Group 2 disability).
• AMD  36,000 per month for persons with a moderate functional limitation (Group 3 disability).

To receive disability benefits, you need to submit:

• An application,
• ID card or passport,
• a social security card (not required if you have an ID card) or a certificate stating you do not have one,
• a certificate confirming the disability, issued by the state body responsible for medical-social expertise,
• a document confirming residency status for foreign citizens and stateless people,
• a convention travel document for individuals with refugee status.

Benefits are terminated:

• Upon the expiration of the disability period.
• If a person is recognized as having a disability again within 3 months after the expiration date—from the date of termination.
• If a person is recognized as having a disability within 12 months after the expiration date—based on the certificate confirming the person's disability.
• If a person is recognized as having a disability more than 12 months after the expiration date—from the date of being recognized as having a disability (if the application is submitted within 3 months of recognition). If the application is submitted after that 3-month period, benefits resume from the date of the application.

Disability benefits are not assigned or paid to individuals living in a state-run social protection institution.

The list of these state-run social protection institutions is defined by the Republic of Armenia Law "On Social Assistance."

An assistive device includes, for example:

• wheelchairs,
• walkers,
• crutches,
• canes,
• prosthetics for lower and upper limbs,
• hearing aids,
• and etc.

People with disabilities, as well as individuals with other social statuses, can apply to the regional center of the Unified Social Service (USS) in their place of residence. By submitting the necessary documents, they will be provided with a state certificate and a list of organizations where they can acquire the required assistive device.

To obtain a state certificate for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, lower and upper limb prosthetics, hearing aids, and other assistive devices, the following documents must be submitted:

• an application,
• an identification document,
• a social security card, Public Services Number (PSN), or a certificate stating you do not have a PSN,
• in the case of an application by a representative: a written power of attorney from the beneficiary and the representative's passport.

For repair services, controversial cases regarding devices under warranty, or requests to repair a device before the established deadline, the beneficiary can apply to the Medical-Social Expertise and Provision of Assistive Devices Department of the Unified Social Service (Address: 129 Armenakyan St., Yerevan).

The purpose of this service is to support people with disabilities in achieving an independent and fulfilling life. It aims to foster their inclusion within their local communities and create a natural environment for social interaction.

The personal assistant service was launched on January 1, 2024, by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

The service is intended for individuals 15 years of age and older who have profound or severe functional limitations related to mobility, vision, mental health, or intellectual issues (in the case of intellectual issues, it also covers those with moderate limitations).

Given that the program aims for the social inclusion of persons with disabilities and the fulfillment of their rights to education and employment, the service is available to individuals aged 15 and older who meet one of the following criteria:

• They are currently working or
• they are currently studying or
• they provide a written assurance that they will begin working or studying within the next 3 months.

The personal assistant service includes both the care of the person with a disability and support in overcoming environmental barriers. Specifically, it covers:

• assistance with personal hygiene, eating, and basic natural needs,
• support with daily domestic activities,
• helping the individual move around and communicate more effectively within their environment.

There are maximum monthly hour limits for personal assistant services, which depend on the degree of disability:

• for people with profound functional limitations: 140 hours per month.
• for people with severe functional limitations: 120 hours per month.
• for people with moderate functional limitations: 100 hours per month.

The hourly rate for personal assistant services for persons with disabilities is AMD 1,050.

To receive personal assistant services, the person with a disability or their legal representative must visit a regional center of the Unified Social Service and submit an application.