Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
You鈥檙e disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 鈥榮ubstantial鈥� and 鈥榣ong-term鈥� negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
The Equality Act 2010 does not apply to .
What 鈥榮ubstantial鈥� and 鈥榣ong-term鈥� mean
- 鈥榮ubstantial鈥� is more than minor or trivial, for example it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed
- 鈥榣ong-term鈥� means 12 months or more, for example a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection
There are special rules about recurring or fluctuating conditions, for example arthritis.
Progressive conditions
A progressive condition is one that gets worse over time. People with progressive conditions can be classed as disabled.
However, you automatically meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you鈥檙e diagnosed with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis.
What is not counted as a disability
罢丑别谤别鈥檚 guidance on conditions that are not covered by the disability definition, for example addiction to non鈥損rescribed drugs or alcohol.