Qualifying for Social Security Disability with Epilepsy

If you've suffered from recurrent seizures, you could be one of the millions of Americans living with epilepsy. The effects of this neurological condition vary from patient to patient, with some people successfully controlling their symptoms and others unable to work or live independently.

Depending on your diagnosis, you may qualify for disability payments for a seizure disorder.

Am I Eligible to Get Social Security Disability for Epilepsy?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows patients diagnosed with either convulsive or non-convulsive epilepsy to get disability benefits. Patients may qualify for benefits based on the listing in the SSA’s Blue Book, or may be approved based on the disabling nature of their symptoms.

Patients may be eligible for benefits if they have:

• Convulsive seizures. The SSA should approve your benefits if you're experiencing daytime seizures that cause bodily convulsions or loss of consciousness, or if you have nighttime seizures that make your daily life more difficult, such as extreme fatigue or an inability to think clearly. These seizures must occur at least once a month despite treatment with anti-seizure medications.
• Non-convulsive seizures. The SSA also offers benefits to patients who suffer non-convulsive seizures that cause significant problems after each episode, such as difficulty concentrating, fatigue, disorientation, or anything else that causes an interruption in daily activities. These seizures must continue to occur at least once a week despite treatment with anti-seizure medications.
• Reduced functional capacity. If your epilepsy symptoms don't match the SSA's Blue Book listing but you're still unable to work, you may receive benefits based on your residual functional capacity. The SSA considers the frequency and duration of your episodes, your post-seizure symptoms, and the demands of medications or other treatments that make it difficult or impossible for you to earn a living with your condition.

If you need help getting your Social Security benefits approved, our attorneys can examine your claim and advise you on the best way forward. Fill out the quick contact form on this page to set up your consultation with a Social Security attorney.