When is chronic illness a disability?

Is my illness a disability?

This is a popular question and one that has a easy and simple answer. It depends.  Seriously though, the problem with the term “disability” is that it’s not a diagnosis – like cancer or asthma. It is subjective. The same government may define disability differently for different aspects of social policy.  The Canadian government for instance defines disability differently for employment equity purposes than it does for tax purposes.

Here’s a guide for different federal jurisdictions:

Definition of Disability in Canada

Definition of disability in The United States

Definition of disability in The United Kingdom