Can I get disability for seizures?

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Yes, you can get Social Security disability benefits for seizures, but your condition must severely limit your ability to work for at least 12 months despite taking prescribed medication.

 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates seizure disorders under the listing the epilepsy. 

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To qualify, your medical records must show that you take your medication as prescribed for at least three consecutive months, but you still experience seizures at a specific frequency:

• Convulsive (Tonic-Clonic) Seizures: You must have generalized tonic-clonic seizures (involving convulsions and loss of consciousness) at least once a month for three consecutive months.

• Dyscognitive Seizures: You must have dyscognitive seizures (involving an alteration of consciousness or awareness) at least once a week for three consecutive months.

• Daytime vs. Nighttime: Nighttime seizures that cause severe daytime exhaustion or cognitive issues also count if they meet the frequency rules.

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If your seizures happen less often, you may still qualify through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. The SSA looks at whether your post-seizure recovery time, side effects from medication, or lack of coordination prevent you from doing basic work tasks or any substantial gainful activity.

 

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