Can I get disability benefits for epilepsy?

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Yes, you can get disability for epilepsy, but eligibility depends on the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. You must prove that your seizures are frequent, uncontrolled by medication, and cause significant limitations in your daily life or ability to perform a job. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific criteria, such as frequency of convulsive seizures and limitations in areas like concentration, which you can find on their official website. 

 

How to qualify

• Meet specific medical criteria: 

  Your seizures must meet a certain frequency and severity, even while on medication. For example, the SSA's "Blue Book" requires convulsive seizures to occur at least once every two months for at least four months, or dyscognitive seizures at least once a week for three months, or show other specific limitations. 

• Demonstrate a severe limitation: 

  Your condition must cause significant limitations in one of the following areas: understanding/applying information, concentrating/persisting/maintaining pace, interacting with others, or adapting/managing yourself. 

• Provide medical evidence: 

  You need to provide detailed and up-to-date medical records, including your doctor's diagnosis, treatment plans, and test results. 

• Show inability to work: 

  You must prove that your epilepsy prevents you from working, and that you are not engaging in "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) which is defined by the SSA as earning more than a certain amount per month. 

• Comply with treatment: 

  You must be following your doctor's prescribed treatment plan. 

 

Steps to take

1. Gather medical records: 

   Work with your doctor to get all the necessary medical documentation. 

2. Understand the requirements: 

   Review the specific criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration to see if you meet the requirements. 

3. Apply for benefits: 

   Apply for disability benefits through the SSA, either online or at a local office. 

4. Consider legal assistance: 

   If your claim is complex, consider getting help from a disability attorney, as many initial claims are denied due to technical errors or insufficient evidence.