Applying for disability can seem like a complex and confusing procedure, especially if you encounter it for the first time. We explain step by step how to undergo medical and social assessment (MSA) in Kazakhstan, the timeline for decision-making, and whether everything can be done online. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

1. Visit the polyclinic

In Kazakhstan, disability is not determined by the polyclinic but by the medical and social assessment (MSA). However, you must start at the polyclinic where you are registered — make an appointment with your general practitioner or a specialist. The doctor conducts an examination and refers the issue to the medical advisory commission (MAC).

2. Undergo examinations and MAC

The polyclinic prepares a referral for MSA using form No. 031/у. It is valid for no more than 1 month from the date of signing. Usually, referral to MSA occurs no earlier than 4 months after the onset of temporary disability or diagnosis. Exceptions include anatomical defects and incurable conditions with severe impairments.

3. Submit an application for MSA

MSA is conducted at the place of permanent registration. In some cases, it can be done at home, in a hospital, in a pre-trial detention center/penal institution, or remotely.

4. Undergo assessment

MSA evaluates persistent impairments of body functions, limitations in daily activities, and the need for social protection.

5. Receive the result

If disability is established, a certificate of disability and, if applicable, extracts from the individual rehabilitation program (IRP) will be sent to your personal account on eGov. If disability is not established, a notification will be sent.

More details on the procedure, criteria, and a full list of required documents can be found on the e-government website.

Applying for disability for a child

The process is the same: first polyclinic, then MAC, then MSA. The application is submitted by the child's legal representative. For children, during assessment or reassessment, a conclusion from the psychological-medical-pedagogical consultation (PMPC) may be required if available. Up to the age of 16, the category "disabled child" is established. From 16 to 18, a group is additionally assigned.

Online application

Through eGov, you can submit a request for the service "Establishment of disability and/or degree of loss of ability to work and/or determination of necessary social protection measures." You can also obtain a certificate confirming disability online via the eGov portal or mobile app using an electronic digital signature or one-time password. The certificate is usually issued within an hour.

In 2026, remote proactive assessment is also in effect: a person visits the polyclinic, undergoes examinations, and then medical documents are transferred electronically to MSA without the patient's personal participation. According to the Ministry of Labor, as of early 2026, 9,100 applications were processed this way; in 2025, 113,100. This accounts for 42.5% of all assessments. The remote format is not used for all cases but according to an approved list of diseases and conditions — more than 70 in 2026.

Since 2026, Almaty has begun implementing online booking for in-person visits to the MSA department via the social services portal aleumet.egov.kz. After booking, an SMS is sent with the date, time, department address, and ticket number.

Decision timeline

For in-person applications, a decision is usually made on the same day. For remote applications, within 3 business days. If documents are sent for consultation or an in-person assessment is required after remote review, the timeline may extend to 10 business days.

Appealing the decision

If a person disagrees with the MSA decision (e.g., they were denied disability or assigned a different group), they can appeal. First, a complaint must be submitted to the MSA Methodology and Control Department within one month after the assessment. This can be done online via the eOtinish platform. If the result does not change, the citizen has the right to go to court. It is important to remember that disability is determined not by diagnosis but by how much the disease limits a person's daily life and requires support.

Earlier, Kursiv Health reported a case in the Zhambyl region: a pregnant woman lost her child and received disability after treatment for toxicosis.

If the article causes you anxiety, discuss it with an artificial psychologist.