Telling an employer about your disability
Whether, when, and how to tell an employer about your disability is your choice. Here is what the law says and how to plan what you will say.
Good to know: this page is general information in plain language. It is not legal advice. For your own situation, talk with one of the free helpers named on this page.
It is your choice
You never have to tell an employer about a disability you do not need help with. Some people tell right away. Some tell later, or never. There is no wrong answer.
You do need to tell your employer something if you want an accommodation. You only need to share what they need to know to help, not your full medical history.
When you might tell
| When | Why people choose it | Things to think about |
|---|---|---|
| When you apply | You need an accommodation to apply or interview, or you are using Schedule A or a disability hiring program. | Only share what is needed. |
| After a job offer | You want to set up accommodations before your first day. | The employer cannot take back the offer because of your disability. |
| After you start | You want people to know your work first, or a need comes up later. | Tell as soon as a problem starts, before it affects your work review. |
| Never | You do not need any changes at work. | You can still tell later if things change. |
What to say
Keep it short and focused on the job. One way to say it:
"I have a medical condition that makes it hard to follow spoken directions in a noisy room. I do my best work with written instructions. Could my tasks be sent by email or written on a checklist?"
- Lead with what helps you do the job well.
- Name the change you need.
- You do not have to name your diagnosis.
- Practice with your VR counselor or job coach.
- Make a free communication card if that helps.
What employers can and cannot ask
| Stage | The employer can | The employer cannot |
|---|---|---|
| Before a job offer | Ask if you can do the job's main duties, with or without accommodation. | Ask if you have a disability, or ask for a medical exam. |
| After an offer, before you start | Require a medical exam, but only if everyone in that job gets one. | Take back the offer because of a disability, if you can do the job. |
| While you work | Ask medical questions only if they relate to the job and are needed for the business. | Share your medical information with coworkers. |
Special cases
- Federal jobs: applying under Schedule A means sharing a letter, but not your diagnosis.
- Federal contractors may ask all applicants and workers to fill out a voluntary self-identification form (CC-305). It is kept separate and you can choose "I do not want to answer."
- Safety jobs: some jobs, like commercial driving, have their own medical rules.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision. Report outdated or wrong information.