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Disability rights for immigrants, refugees and applicants for international protection in Iceland

ÖBÍ, The Icelandic Disability Alliance, is an organization that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities in Iceland. ÖBÍ provides services to people with disabilities in Iceland regardless of the basis on which they stay in the country.

In recent years, diversity in Icelandic society has increased, as has diversity among people with disabilities who seek ÖBÍ’s services. The diversity is among other things reflected in people of different nationalities and cultures. Increased diversity strengthens both the Icelandic community and the work of ÖBÍ.

It is important that people’s different needs are met and that everyone is enabled to make full use of their various personal strengths. It is also important to enable everyone to feel welcome and to enjoy rights and opportunities on an equal footing with other residents.

People with disabilities have the right to participate fully in all aspects of life, including to live independently, have good living conditions, have accessible healthcare and support. Part of enabling people to enjoy their rights is ensuring access to relevant and accurate information.

ÖBÍ offers people with disabilities and their family’s free advice by social workers and lawyers on rights issues. Consultants at ÖBÍ can be reached every Thursday from 13-15 by calling 530 6710. It is possible to call in and get advice regarding disability and rehabilitation rights. No longer than 10-15 minutes is estimated for each call.

For more complex cases, you need to book an appointment with a consultant through the reception by phone 530 6700 or by email: mottaka@obi.is. The direct email address of ÖBI’s advisors is: radgjof@obi.is

ÖBÍ is an umbrella organization with 40 member organizations that represent various groups of people with disability and their families. Please get to know our members associations 

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Disability rights in Iceland in general

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From ÖBÍ’s website. Please choose the appropriate language option.

link to island.is

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From the Government of Iceland →

MCC

From the Multicultural Information Centre (The Ministry of Labour) →

Disability rights when moving to Iceland

To be eligible for disability and rehabilitation rights you must access the social security system.

To access the social security system in Iceland you must have registered a legal domicile in Iceland.

» Here you can register for a legal domicile

Individuals who move their legal domicile to Iceland generally have to wait 6 months to become insured by the social security system. These persons are therefore uninsured for the first six months and, in the meantime, have to pay for health services.

» Here you can apply for health insurance at Iceland health

Insurance can also be bought from private insurance companies.

In general, a person with disabilities that has moved to Iceland from another country can apply for disability assessment, as a precondition for applying for disability pension, after having had legal domicile in Iceland for 3 years.

People that have been granted refugee status in Iceland are exempted from the general rule and can therefor apply after having registered a domicile.

» Here you can apply for disability assessment

In general, a person with disabilities can apply for rehabilitation pension after having had registered domicile in Iceland for 1 year.

» Here you can apply for rehabilitation pension

After having registered a legal domicile, an individual can apply for financial support from the municipality where they are registered.

Keep in mind that receiving financial support from municipal authorities may affect applications for extending a residence permit, applications for a permanent residence permit and applications for Icelandic citizenship.

» Financial Support (mcc.is)

Disability rights for Applicants for international protection in Iceland

Applicants for international protection with disabilities do not have the right to payments or other benefits of the Icelandic social security system.

Applicants for international protection have the right to have their service needs with regards to disability evaluated. Furthermore, to receive necessary services and utilities with regards to disability as well as necessary health care services. The service is provided by the authority that provides the general service you receive, as an applicant for international protection, e.g. housing and financial support. Such provider can be The Ministry of Labour (VMST) or the relevant Municipalities’ social service.

Every person with disabilities present in Iceland has the right to seek the assistance of the Disability Rights Protection Office.

» Here you can send an inquiry to the Disability Rights Protection Office

For detailed information about general rights and services for applicants for international protection you can find » information from the Icelandic Red Cross here

The newest of OBI's reviews and news regarding refugees and migrants

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