FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Registering as a Disabled Person
Employment Register
The Disabled Person’s Register for employment purposes existed until the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 came into force, when it ceased to operate. The register was run by the Employment Service (now the Department for Work and Pensions). It was open to anyone with a disability that would affect them getting or keeping a job. The registration certificate (or Green Card) was issued when someone joined the Register and lasted a number of years depending on the disability of the individual.
Registering with Social Services
Social services registers are still running. It is not obligatory to register in order to get services, as anyone defined as disabled under the terms of the National Assistance Act 1948, is automatically entitled to an assessment of their needs. Registration helps local authorities to plan and identify gaps in services.
Surrey Adult Linked Disability Registers
In Surrey there is a voluntary register that is co-ordinated by SALDR (Surrey Adult Linked Disability Registers), part of Social Services, that disabled people can join. When you apply to register and have completed the questionnaire, you will receive a registration card that can be used as proof of disability.
You will also receive a directory of services that has information on a variety of topics relating to disability and services that can be accessed around Surrey. Registration is voluntary, so if you decide not to join, there will be no effect to the services that you are currently receiving. However, registration does not give automatic entitlement to help and services from social services or other statutory organisations.
SALDR
Surrey County Council
Conquest House
Wood Street
Kingston-Upon-Thames
Surrey KT1 1AB
Freephone: 0800 0566240
Textphone: 020 8541 8760
SALDR web site
E-mail: saldr@surreycc.gov.uk
Children
Children are registered separately under Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Children Act 1989 which obliges every local authority to maintain a register of disabled children within their area. Registration is voluntary and is for children aged 0 - 18 years who are disabled and resident in Surrey and is usually done by a social worker.
Surrey Children’ s Disability Register
The Redhill Centre
134 - 138 Station Road
Redhill
Surrey RH1 1ET
Telephone: 020 8541 8792
Surrey Children’ s Disability Register web site
+ Additional Information: Health and social care assessments
More information on living with a disability in Surrey can be found at www.askenid.org.uk and in the leaflet ‘Information for You’ available from SID (Social Information on Disability), 0800 0439395.