Should I disclose on job applications that I have a disability?

nbritton · Nov 23, 2014, 04:31 PM

What are the pros and cons of checking the box on job applications that you have a disability? I know with government contracts, affirmative action is extended to disabled individuals. However, with private employers is it a good or bad ideal to disclose your disability status on the job application? I know I'm not comped to provide this information at any point during my employment, I'm just wondering what the best strategy is?

Here are the options I see:

Disclose your status as a disabled person on the job application?
Disclose your status as a disabled person during the interview?
Disclose your status as a disabled person after the offer letter?
Disclose your status as a disabled person after you accept the offer?
Disclose your status as a disabled person after your first paycheck?
Disclose your status as a disabled person a few months into the job?
Disclose your status as a disabled person only if you need accommodation?
Never disclose your status as a disabled person to your employer?

Altered Moment · Nov 23, 2014, 06:26 PM

I have had real mixed feelings about this myself. I decided I was not going to disclose it at all period. If it effects my performance and ability to work I will deal with that then.

I guess it depends on the disability. If it is mental health I say don't disclose. I was honest upfront once and I know that is why I didn't get the job.

lizardlady · Nov 23, 2014, 06:49 PM

I would not disclose unless I needed accommodation.

CaptainChaos79 · Nov 24, 2014, 02:14 AM

personally I would not disclose unless accommodation was required.

CosmicRose · Nov 24, 2014, 02:43 PM

I agree with not disclosing unless you need accommodations or if the disability itself interferes with the work you're doing.

Slamjammer · Nov 27, 2014, 09:30 AM

I think you are obligated to answer the question truthfully, if asked. Failure to do so could be grounds for dismissal later, if the issue arises.

On the other hand... If not asked, don't tell, unless you may require some special accommodation.

SeekerOfLife · Nov 27, 2014, 09:38 AM

If you are talking about an emotional /mental issue I would not disclose. The work world is tough enough already without giving your employer and coworkers ammunition they can use against you. I think it is better to just ask for the help you need and not bring up your diagnosus.

shortandcute · Nov 29, 2014, 04:00 PM

nobody is really "disabled." Everyone can do something.

Laini · Dec 01, 2014, 08:36 AM

In th UK its illegal now for an employer to ask this question. They can ask if any special requirements are needed for interview, or if you consider yourself to have a disability. I would never disclose, unless it was an obvious disability. I once told an employer 3 months into a new job, i might have problems sitting in on tomorrows meeting, as i have panic attacks in certain situations. Without hesitation he asked, "did you put that on your application form". I said no because it doesnt affect my work. Imagine if i said anything of other mental heath problems, i would be out the door.

Webgoji · Dec 01, 2014, 10:33 AM

Personally I'm open about it from the beginning. I don't know when I'll take a major dip and have to run off to the hospital or ... if it gets worse at work. Mental Illness is just as protected as being paraplegic or having back issues so I just say that I don't need accommodation and can do the job just fine. They just need to be aware.

Pikku Myy · Dec 01, 2014, 11:07 AM

I believe it depends on how the so called disability affects one and the impact on job performance; weather to disclose or not. And yes, your prospects of landing a job are greater wo telling anyone... unfortunately.

I would also like to add that in many professions physical disability is not looked upon as a negative at all. They are looking for brain power. Mental disability is much more difficult to explain without the potential employee thinking you are crazy from day one. This because MI is so stigmatized by the society. People "fear" the unknown.

Good luck if you are looking for a job

tradika · Dec 01, 2014, 01:31 PM

It's not their business unless it interferes with your ability to do your job. If you disclose it immediately, they have no reason to hire you.

Perna · Dec 01, 2014, 04:08 PM

If it says "disabled" I would only mark it if I am receiving SSI or SSDI and am "officially" disabled. Employers can get an incentive to hire the disabled so if you are actually Governmentally disabled, they might then have an incentive to hire you rather than someone else which I'd like.

cool09 · 05:50 PM

Quote:

If it says "disabled" I would only mark it if I am receiving SSI or SSDI and am "officially" disabled.

This is good advice. If a person is disabled to due an emotional disorder or mental disorder and receiving SSDI I don't see how he/she can work unless he/she is in some kind of remission. If the disability is physical I guess it depends on the severity and how it effects your performance. I never disclose to anyone that I receive SSDI. I've learned my lesson several times after telling acquaintances, landlord, etc. I made a mistake of telling a person working in the pizza shop I frequent: she asked me if I worked nearby and I told her I didn't work and was on disability - it's freaked her and the owner out (her mother) and I'm uncomfortable every time I go in there.

I did work PT for several places when I was on SSDI in the 90's. I never told them that I was on SSDI. I eventually started working FT then back onto SSDI in 2004 after relapse.

warlocksdotz · Dec 01, 2014, 10:23 PM

Some applications do ask if you have a disability. I would not disclose this until after the interview process has taken place. This goes for the majority of businesses. If it is a federal or state job, then yes your more likely to get hired if ytou have a disability

Dec 08, 2014, 10:21 PM

Cant they find out if they did a background check if you have seen a doctor or been in a mental hospital ?

Rose76 · Dec 09, 2014, 03:03 AM

Unless you need to disclose this personal info to arrange an accommodation, do not bring it up. When I've let supervisors know I had a psych diagnosis, it absolutely did me no good at all . . . and did me unnecessary harm.

It's better to ask for help to deal with a specific need. Like: "I tend to get apprehensive in a new work environment because I really hold myself to a high standard of job performance. It's hard to reach that standard when I need more experience to get up to speed." That's way better than, "I'm prone to panic attacks that make me unable to cope."

Never think that by disclosing a disability you are increasing the chances that you will be shown extra compassion by supervisors and co-workers. Work sites are competitive environments. There are usually at least some who think they make themselves look better, when someone else looks worse. These types look for vulnerabilities in you that they can disparage. Workplace gossip tends to be rather ruthless.

Crazy Hitch · Dec 09, 2014, 04:01 AM

I've had some bad experiences due to disclosure... Don't think I would ever again ...

Verity81 · Dec 09, 2014, 11:53 AM

This is something I'm toying with as they ask on some job applications how many days off sick you've had in the last year. Well I was off for 4 months at the beginning of last year as I was hospitalised and then attended day hospital. I returned to my job after recovering enough to work again and I have been well now for over 8 months but am being made redundant in the new year.
I'm in the uk and I know they can ask your previous employer how may days you have had off sick but I'm not sure if they are allowed to ask why I was off sick?
I'll try to get some advice but I am really tempted to say I was off for an operation!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Menu

My Support Forums - Mental Health Support Groups

Get emotional support and friendship from others like you!

Our community offers: No spam. No trolls. No social media connections.

Should I disclose on job applications that I have a disability?

My Support Forums