Does Epilepsy Qualify For Disability Benefits?

If you have epilepsy, you likely already know that it can be a very difficult and disabling condition. Depending upon its severity, it can even cause you to be unable to work and enjoy typical day-to-day activities as you normally would. If that is the case, you may qualify for disability benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the types of benefits available and the conditions to qualify.

What is Epilepsy?

According to the CDC, around 3 million adults in the United States have epilepsy – so if you struggle with this condition, you certainly aren’t alone.

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by repeated seizures. Those who suffer from epilepsy may have seizures frequently or rather infrequently. Often, the condition can be at least somewhat controlled and regulated by medication, although the effectiveness of a particular medication will vary from person to person.

Depending upon the severity of your condition, it may leave you tired, in pain, and unable to function normally. If that is the case, you may qualify for disability benefits, either from the Social Security Administration or through a private insurer.

What Types of Benefits are Available?

The Social Security Administration provides two types of disability benefits for qualifying applicants, depending upon their circumstances. These include:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits: SSDI benefits are disability benefits provided to individuals who can establish that they have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled for one continuous calendar year or more. In addition, an individual must be “insured,” which means that they worked a qualifying job for a sufficient length of time and regularly paid a portion of their salary into the Social Security system.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits: As with SSDI benefits, those who receive SSI benefits must have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled for one continuous calendar year or more. Unlike SSDI benefits, however, those who receive SSI benefits need not be “insured.” They do, however, have to have income and resources below a certain amount, as determined by the Social Security Administration.

Fortunately, for those who are interested in receiving Social Security disability benefits, epilepsy is a condition listed in the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book,” which is a guide that includes qualifying conditions and their accompanying symptoms.

In addition to benefits provided by the Social Security Administration, some individuals may also have long-term disability insurance through a private insurer. If this is the case, you may be eligible to receive those benefits if your condition has rendered you disabled for the length of time specified in the policy and you meet other qualifying conditions.

How Much Might You Receive?

Regardless of the type of benefit you qualify for, the benefit amount is typically not based on the particular condition itself. Instead, it will be based on various circumstances particular to each applicant.

Generally, the Social Security Administration will determine the amount of SSDI benefits to be paid to a particular individual based on that person’s work and salary history. As a general rule, the more you paid into the Social Security system, the more you will receive in benefits, up to a specific limit. The limit set by the Social Security Administration may vary from year to year, so it’s always essential to consult an attorney regarding your particular situation.

Regarding SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration will typically pay eligible recipients the maximum amount for that year after subtracting any necessary income that the person may have earned to count against the total amount. In 2024, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $943 for an eligible individual and $1,415 for an eligible couple.

If you are eligible for disability benefits from a private insurer, the amount of those benefits will likely depend upon the terms of your particular policy. As a result, consulting with an attorney who can review the terms of the policy and offer advice regarding your personal circumstances is important. At Keener Law, we’re here for you.

Keener Law – Here For You

At Keener Law, we are passionate about helping our clients pursue the disability benefits they need and deserve. We understand every aspect of the law and are ready to put that knowledge and expertise to work for you. We know that having a disability is difficult. You should be able to focus on treating your condition and enjoying life with those you love – not spending your time worrying about legal stress or how you’ll provide for yourself and your family. We’re here to help. Give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.