Important: We updated this article in December 2024 after reviewing current Social Security Administration policies. If you live with epilepsy, you are not alone. This neurological condition affects approximately 50 million people worldwide and can significantly impact daily life due to frequent and/or severe seizures. But is epilepsy a disability that can get you monthly benefits? In some cases, yes – but your doctor’s diagnosis alone isn’t enough for you to qualify for payments.
If epilepsy or a related medical condition severely limits your ability to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. This article answers the question, “Is epilepsy a disability according to the Social Security Administration?” It explains how the SSA evaluates epilepsy claims, medical evidence, and other qualifying related conditions known to cause seizures. Whether you have epilepsy or just want to find out how to get disability for seizures, we can help.
Social Security Disability for Seizure Disorder: Key Takeaways
- Getting disability for epilepsy or another seizure disorder is not easy. However, working with an experienced Social Security attorney can triple your approval odds on your very first try.
- Several medical conditions that can cause seizures do qualify for Social Security disability benefits, such as diabetes. So, it’s possible to get disability for seizures even if you don’t have an epilepsy diagnosis.
- There are two different benefit programs that offer monthly payments from the Social Security Administration. If you don’t qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), try filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
- It’s much easier to get disability benefits from ages 50 to 66 due to the SSA’s medical-vocational allowance rules.
- Your medical records must show that you cannot work for at least 12 months to qualify for disability benefits.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system, and the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. Those with epilepsy experience recurring, unprovoked seizures. The three major groups of seizures include:
- Focal seizures, which affect one part of the brain
- Generalized seizures, which involve both sides of the brain
- Unknown-onset seizures, where the seizure’s origin is unclear
Is Epilepsy a Disability According to the Social Security Administration?
Yes. You may qualify for disability for epilepsy through the Social Security Administration (SSA), but your diagnosis alone isn’t enough. You’ll qualify if epilepsy causes frequent, severe seizures that significantly limit your ability to work or perform daily tasks. The most common disabling seizure types in adults are:
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which can make you lose consciousness and suffer muscle convulsions
- Dyscognitive seizures, expressed by an alteration of consciousness without convulsions or lack of muscle control
How the Epilepsy SSA Criteria Varies Based on Your Neurological Disorder Symptoms
Tonic-Clonic Seizures
If you have tonic-clonic seizures, the SSA needs to see medical evidence showing one of the following:
- Seizures that occur once a month for at least three consecutive months, or
- Seizures that happen once every two months for at least four months with marked limitation in at least one area of physical or mental functioning.
Dyscognitive Seizures
If you have dyscognitive seizures, the SSA needs to see medical documentation of either:
- Seizures that occur at least once a week for at least three consecutive months, or
- Seizures at least once every two weeks for at least three consecutive months with noted limitations in at least one area of physical or mental functioning.
Physical functioning indicates things like standing up, using your arms and hands, and carrying objects as needed while at work. Mental functioning describes issues like paying attention, remembering or following verbal directions, and controlling your emotions or behavior at work.
What Other Medical Conditions May Help You Get Disability Benefits for Seizure Disorder?
Diabetes
You may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if your diabetes symptoms:
- Prevent you from working 40 hours each week, and
- Meet the SSA’s qualifications for Social Security benefits for diabetes, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Heart Disease
Heart disease can strengthen your disability claim if it worsens your seizure disorder or contributes to your inability to work for 12 months. The SSA considers the combined impact of multiple medical conditions when evaluating disability claims. Providing medical evidence linking heart disease and seizures to significant functional limitations can improve your chances of disability benefit approval.
Brain Injuries and Infections
Common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury are convulsions or seizures. The SSA offers traumatic brain injury benefits through two different federal programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
It is important to get medical care immediately after a TBI even if you experience no immediate symptoms. Qualification for SSDI benefits includes working 5 out of the last 10 years while having paid Social Security taxes. SSI benefit qualification requires having limited income and assets along with being blind, disabled, or at least 65 years old.
How Recurrent and Unprovoked Seizures Can Limit Your Ability to Maintain Employment
Functional seizures (FS), though sometimes similar looking in outward symptoms to an epileptic one, have different underlying causes. These include biological, psychological, and social factors which are often triggered by stress, emotional challenges, or physical activities.
In an NIH study, 88% of those with FS experienced difficulties at work, including:
- Accidents at work
- Impaired work performance due to FS
- Exacerbation of FS due to work
Additionally, 64% of individuals think they should qualify for disability benefits. Another 8% reported having a seizure while driving that caused a car accident, and 15% were told to stop driving.
Medical Evidence You’ll Need to Submit with Your Epilepsy Disability Claim
Medical records submitted with your epilepsy disability claim should include:
- Clinical notes containing your epilepsy diagnosis
- Doctor’s recommendations on activities to avoid
- Neurological exam results
- Detailed descriptions of your seizures, including symptoms like altered consciousness, convulsions, or incontinence
- Notes on pre- and post-seizure symptoms, such as auras, fatigue, confusion, headaches, or nausea
- Records showing your typical seizure frequency and timing (day or night)
- Doctor’s statements on how well your treatment works and compliance for taking prescribed medication
- Objective evidence, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or EEGs
- Documentation of injuries caused during epileptic seizures, such as tongue biting
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits: You Have Two Options
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers both programs we mention below. To apply for SSDI or SSI, the following options are available to you:
- File your claim in person at your nearest Social Security office. We recommend calling ahead to make an appointment and blocking off at least 4-5 hours to fill out all paperwork.
- Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 8am to 7pm Eastern time. A Social Security agent can confirm if you have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI and start your claim by phone.
- Have a nearby disability attorney confirm your eligibility for SSI or SSDI, then start the appropriate paperwork for you. This option costs $0 out of your own pocket, because all disability lawyers work on contingency.
For SSDI claims only, you may also file your application online at SSA.gov. However, the agency has no option available to apply for SSI benefits online at this time.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Benefits for Children and Seniors with Epilepsy
This monthly cash assistance program is designed to help low-income Americans. Adults aged 65+ can qualify with little or no work history, as well as disabled individuals under 65, including children. If your child’s epilepsy significantly impacts their daily functioning and quality of life, SSI payments can help cover their essential needs.
If approved, individuals can receive up to $943 per month in SSI benefits. Eligible couples can get no more than $1415 in monthly SSI payments.
The same month you receive you first SSI payment, you’ll also qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for Working Age Adults with a Seizure Disorder
Individuals aged 18-66 who worked while paying into Social Security are eligible to apply for this federal disability benefit. To qualify for SSDI, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disabled and be unable to work for at least 12 months, specifically because of your epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Other criteria for SSDI benefits are as follows:
- Not currently earn more than $1,550 per month as an individual.
- Have at least 40 work credits you earned from working at least 5 in the last 10 years.
- Not currently receive any other Social Security benefits, like regular or early retirement.
The maximum SSDI disability check in 2024 pays $3,822. However, the average payment most people get in SSDI benefits is $1,537.
Two years (24 months) after you start getting SSDI disability benefits, you’ll also qualify for Medicare coverage. However, you may have to file a separate Medicare application once you’re eligible, depending on where you live.
An Attorney Can Greatly Improve Your Chances for Winning Epilepsy Disability Benefits
Having a disability attorney file your seizure disability benefits claim significantly improves your likelihood of success, according to government reports.
We can connect you with a local attorney for a free consultation to discuss your options. If you don’t get benefits from the SSA, then you pay $0 for claim assistance — it’s just that simple. But if you do win, federal law says that you’ll only pay one small fee afterwards.
Want to triple your chances of getting benefits within months, not years? Click the button below to start your free online benefits quiz now and see if you may qualify:
Get Your Free Benefits Evaluation
Nicole Balderas is a writer and editor living in Justin, Texas. She has experience in both technical and creative writing, web editing, and SEO. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Social Sciences and a minor in News-Editorial Journalism. Visit her online profile at LinkedIn.com.
