Persons with disabilitiesYou may qualify for benefits you didn’t know were available.

Registering with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities

JCPD Registration Guidance

Registration with the JCPD is the gateway to almost every benefit on this site. To receive a service or benefit, persons with disabilities must be registered. I can walk you through the process and the medical verification required.

Housing set aside for persons with disabilities

NHT 5% Housing Allocation

5% of units in every new NHT development

The National Housing Trust reserves 5% of every new housing development for persons with disabilities who are registered with the JCPD, or who have a child registered with the JCPD. I went through this process myself and now own a scheme unit.

Up to JMD $300,000 to make your home suit your needs

NHT Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities

Up to JMD $300,000 (two mortgagors per household)

The NHT has doubled its Special Grant for mortgagors living with disabilities to JMD $300,000, and doubled the number of people who can access it per household. I received this grant and used it to burglar-bar my windows and doors.

Employed persons with disabilities may be exempt from income tax

Income Tax Exemption (Section 12(Y))

Full exemption from income tax on employment income

Under Section 12(Y) of the Income Tax Act, employed individuals with a permanent physical or mental disability who are capable of gainful employment may be exempt from income tax. I applied for and received this exemption.

Claim back qualifying taxes you have already paid

Income Tax & Education Tax Refunds

Refunds on qualifying taxes from prior years

Once your exemption is granted, you may be able to claim refunds on qualifying income tax and education tax paid through your employer over previous years. I received an education tax refund after my exemption was approved.

Up to JMD $300,000 toward assistive aids and therapy

Assistive Aid Grant

Up to JMD $300,000 (therapy up to 10 sessions)

The JCPD Assistive Aid Grant helps registered clients pay for assistive and adaptive aids, accessories, and therapy services that support independent living — funding up to JMD $300,000.

Up to JMD $200,000 (individual) or $400,000 (group) to start or grow a business

Economic Empowerment Grant

Up to JMD $200,000 individual / JMD $400,000 group

The Economic Empowerment Grant helps unemployed or low-income persons with disabilities start or expand a business — up to JMD $200,000 for individuals and JMD $400,000 for groups.

Up to JMD $300,000 for urgent, life-threatening situations

Emergency Grant

Up to JMD $300,000 (processed within 5 working days)

The JCPD Emergency Grant provides urgent financial support — up to JMD $300,000 — to registered clients facing life-threatening situations such as fire or a medical emergency, processed within five working days of verification.

Up to JMD $300,000 toward medical costs

Medical Grant

Up to JMD $300,000 per applicant

The JCPD Medical Grant helps registered clients offset the cost of medical procedures, surgeries, lab work, diagnostics, medication and therapies — up to JMD $300,000 per applicant.

Up to JMD $50,000 toward funeral expenses

Funeral Grant

Up to JMD $50,000

The JCPD Funeral Grant provides up to JMD $50,000 toward the funeral expenses of a deceased registered client, claimed by the caregiver or next of kin.

Up to JMD $50,000 toward schooling for children with disabilities

Education Grant

Up to JMD $50,000

The JCPD Education Grant offers financial support of up to JMD $50,000 for registered clients aged 4 to 18 who are enrolled in an educational institution, with some support for post-secondary short courses.

Up to JMD $150,000 per year toward tertiary study

Margaret Moody Scholarship

Up to JMD $150,000 per year (two awards)

The Margaret Moody Scholarship awards two registered persons with disabilities up to JMD $150,000 per year toward Diploma, Associate or Bachelor’s study — covering tuition, boarding and materials.

Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education

PATH Programme Support

Ongoing government grant for eligible households

PATH is a government social safety-net programme providing support to eligible households, including persons with disabilities. Applications are made in person at your parish MLSS office. I was placed on the PATH programme myself.

Awareness training for organisations and communities

Disability Training & Sensitization

The JCPD Disability Sensitization and Training Service delivers tailored workshops on disability awareness, inclusive practices, communication and disability rights for organisations, businesses and communities.

Assessing and improving access to public and private spaces

Accessibility Audit

The JCPD Accessibility Audit assesses public and private spaces to identify physical, structural, technological and communication barriers, then reports on how to bring them in line with accessibility standards.

Recognition and verified letters for smoother applications

Verified Official Letters, Sticker & ID

The JCPD issues verified official letters for institutions such as the NHT and RGD, plus a Disability Sticker and Registration ID that provide recognition for priority services and accessible parking.