Epilepsy and Social Security Disability

Epilepsy and the Social Security Disability Application Process

Millions of people in the United States have epilepsy. While some individuals with epilepsy are able to maintain typical levels of activity, others with epilepsy are severely limited by their symptoms.

If you have epilepsy and cannot work, you may be suffering financially—and without access to medical insurance, you may not be receiving the care you need.  If you find yourself facing these circumstances, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. The following information will provide you with a brief overview of the Social Security Disability benefit system and will get you started down the path to financial stability.

General Requirements

To determine whether or not an individual qualifies for disability benefits, the SSA will consider the following factors:

Earned Income Requirement – The purpose of Social Security disability benefits is to support individuals who are unable to earn an income due to a health condition. Therefore, if you are working, and earning at more than $1,040 each month, the SSA will likely deny your application for benefits. 

Interference of Symptoms – Next, the SSA will consider how severely epilepsy symptoms affect your ability to complete simple tasks. If epilepsy affects your ability to perform any of the following activities, it is possible that you will qualify for Social Security disability assistance:

·         Walking or sitting for an extended period of time

·         Lifting items that are as heavy as 10 pounds

·         Being able to comprehend and follow simple instructions

·         Seeing and hearing relatively clearly

·         Working and socializing appropriately in workplace situations

·         Adapting to common changes in work settings

Epilepsy and Social Security Disability

When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits due to epilepsy, the SSA will analyze the frequency, duration, and severity of your seizures.  Because seizures affect everyone differently, you will need to provide a detailed description of what your typical seizure is like. Descriptions of your symptoms should come from professional third party sources, such as your primary physician.

Convulsive Epilepsy – If you suffer from convulsive epilepsy the SSA will look specifically for evidence that your seizures occur more frequently than once a month. These seizures can be either daytime or nighttime episodes.

Non-convulsive Epilepsy –To qualify for disability benefits with non-convulsive epilepsy, you will be asked to provide medical documentation that proves that these episodes happen at a frequency of at least once a week.

Complying With Treatments – It is important to note that, in addition to demonstrating the frequency and severity of your symptoms, you must also be able to prove that these symptoms occur despite following appropriate treatment instructions. To qualify, you will need to prove that your symptoms have persisted, even with treatment, for at least three months.

Medical Vocational Requirements When Applying for SSD Benefits

The Social Security Administration will also review information such as your age, your transferable vocational skills, your education, and recommendations provided by your physician, to determine if you are able to hold any type of job.

Beginning Your Application

Once you decide to initiate the Social Security Disability application process, you can do so online at the SSA’s website or in person at your local Social Security office. Prior to submitting your application, it is important that you are fully prepared for the process. This should include thoroughly researching the requirements and working with your doctor to collect the necessary medical documentation. You should also have records of your finances and work history readily available. Preparing for the process will only increase your chance of being approved.

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About Guest Blogger: Molly Clarke writes for Social Security Disability Help where she works to promote disability awareness and assist individuals throughout the Social Security Disability application process.   

To learn more about Social Security Disability, visit the Social Security Disability Help Blog or contact Molly Clarke at mac@ssd-help.org.