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Governor Mike Braun
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Disability and Access to Credit

Disability and Access to Credit

Individuals with disabilities have the right to apply for and obtain credit without discrimination. Lenders and creditors must evaluate credit applications based on financial qualifications and may not treat applicants differently because of a disability.

Under federal and Indiana civil rights laws, discrimination in credit may occur when lenders deny credit, impose different conditions, or create barriers for individuals with disabilities.

These protections help ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to financial services and opportunities.

What is Disability Discrimination in Credit?

Disability discrimination in credit occurs when a creditor treats an applicant differently because of a disability.

Creditors must evaluate applicants based on factors such as income, credit history, and ability to repay a loan.

Decisions about credit should not be based on assumptions or stereotypes about individuals with disabilities.

Examples of Disability Discrimination in Credit:

Disability discrimination may occur in several ways. Examples may include:

  • Refusing to consider disability income when evaluating a loan application
  • Requiring a cosigner solely because the applicant has a disability
  • Offering less favorable loan terms because of a disability
  • Denying credit based on assumptions about a person’s ability to repay a loan
  • Asking unnecessary questions about a person’s disability during the application process

Credit decisions should be based on financial qualifications rather than disability status.

Income From Disability Benefits:

Income received through disability benefits may be considered when evaluating a credit application.

Examples of income sources may include:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans' disability benefits
  • Other disability related income

Creditors should evaluate these sources of income in the same way they evaluate other lawful income.

Equal Access to Credit Services:

Individuals with disabilities should be able to access credit services in the same way as other applicants.

This includes equal access to:

  • Credit applications
  • Loan information
  • Financial services
  • Customer assistance

Lenders should ensure that their services and communication methods are accessible when possible.

If You Believe You Experienced Credit Discrimination

If you believe a creditor denied you credit or treated you differently because of a disability, you may be able to file a discrimination complaint.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints involving discrimination in credit, housing, employment, education, and public accommodations.

To learn more about filing a complaint, visit the How to File a Discrimination Complaint page.