Disability Rights UK: Know Your Rights Under the Equality Act (2026)
By the RightfulUK team • • 5 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
As a disabled person in the UK, you have legal rights that protect you from discrimination in every area of life. The Equality Act 2010 is your shield.
Most disabled people don't know the full extent of their rights. Here's what you're entitled to.
What Counts as a Disability?
Under the Equality Act, you're disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial and long-term adverse effect' on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Substantial means more than minor or trivial. Long-term means has lasted or is likely to last 12 months or more.
This includes: physical conditions, mental health conditions, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, progressive conditions (MS, HIV, cancer from diagnosis), and fluctuating conditions.
You do NOT need a formal diagnosis to be protected.
Your Rights at Work
Employers MUST:
- Make reasonable adjustments to the workplace (flexible hours, adapted equipment, working from home, modified duties) - Not discriminate in recruitment, pay, promotion, or dismissal - Not ask disability-related questions before offering a job (with limited exceptions) - Not treat you unfavourably because of something arising from your disability
Access to Work is a government scheme that pays for workplace adjustments — your employer can apply for up to £66,000 per year to support you.
Your Rights in Housing
Landlords must make reasonable adjustments for disabled tenants. This includes allowing alterations like grab rails, ramps, or wider doorways.
Councils must assess your housing needs and consider medical priority for social housing.
Disabled Facilities Grants provide up to £30,000 for home adaptations.
You cannot be refused housing, evicted, or treated less favourably because of your disability.
Your Rights Using Services
Shops, restaurants, banks, transport providers, and all service providers MUST:
- Make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers - Provide information in accessible formats - Not refuse service because of disability - Ensure physical access where possible
This includes online services — websites must be accessible to disabled people.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
If you experience disability discrimination:
1. Document everything — Dates, times, what was said, witnesses 2. Raise it informally — Write to the organisation explaining the issue 3. Make a formal complaint — Use their complaints process 4. Get free legal advice — Citizens Advice, Disability Rights UK, EHRC 5. Take legal action — Employment Tribunal (work), County Court (services/housing)
Time limits apply: Employment Tribunal claims must be filed within 3 months. County Court claims within 6 months.
Many cases are resolved without going to court.
Related Articles
- PIP Descriptors Explained in Simple English (All 12 Activities) — 8 min read
- Disability Benefits UK: Complete Guide to Every Benefit You Can Claim (2026) — 7 min read
- PIP Changes 2026: What You Need to Know (Latest Updates) — 4 min read
- Disability Support Groups UK: Where to Find Help and Community — 5 min read
Related Tools & Guides
- Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your likely points
- Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge the DWP decision
- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition