If you have epilepsy, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both if you meet certain criteria.
Epilepsy can sometimes affect your mental and physical health, relationships, transportation options, and ability to work or study.
The condition is considered a disability by the U.S. government, so if you have received an epilepsy diagnosis, you may qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits, as well as other accommodations in the workplace or in your education.
According to a 2020 population study, people who have epilepsy are 3.1 times more likely to experience physical, cognitive, or social challenges than people who do not have epilepsy.
The authors listed a number of examples:
- physical impairments, such as difficulties walking, kneeling, bathing, standing, or sitting
- cognitive impairments, such as confusion and poor concentration or memory
- sensory impairments, such as seeing or hearing difficulties
- social impairments, such as challenges participating in social activities
Epilepsy does not necessarily cause disability directly, but they may be linked. For example, side effects of some anti-seizure medications — including fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness, and difficulty focusing — can contribute to disability.
In addition, people who have epilepsy are at an increased risk of co-occurring conditions, such as depression and autism spectrum disorder, which may also affect their ability to function.
Epilepsy affects approximately
Childhood epilepsy can affect thinking, learning, memory, moods, physical activities, and relationships. Children who have epilepsy are also at an increased risk of other concerns, such as developmental delays, learning disabilities, and headaches.
If you or your child has received a diagnosis of epilepsy, you may be eligible for disability benefits, including:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): These benefits are for adults who were recently employed but can no longer work due to an eligible disability. You must have paid Social Security taxes on your income and worked for a certain length of time.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): These benefits are for children and adults who have an eligible disability and limited income.
Epilepsy disability criteria
In general, epilepsy must interfere with your ability to work for at least 1 year to qualify as a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides specific epilepsy guidelines for adults and children.
Adults must meet eligibility criteria in one of the following categories:
| Category | Frequency | Length of time | Other criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| generalized tonic-clonic seizures | 1 per month | 3 months in a row | despite treatment |
| dyscognitive seizures | 1 per week | 3 months in a row | despite treatment |
| generalized tonic-clonic seizures | 1 every 2 months | 4 months in a row | despite treatment, and with marked physical, cognitive, social, or functional limitations |
| dyscognitive seizures | 1 every 2 weeks | 3 months in a row | despite treatment, and with marked physical, cognitive, social, or functional limitations |
Children must meet eligibility criteria in one of the following categories:
| Category | Frequency | Length of time | Other criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| generalized tonic-clonic seizures | 1 per month | 3 months in a row | despite treatment |
| dyscognitive or absence seizures | 1 per week | 3 months in a row | despite treatment |
Follow these steps to apply for Social Security benefits if you have epilepsy:
- Prepare your documents: You can use the SSA checklist to gather the required documentation.
- Complete and submit the application: You can do this online, in person at a local SSA office, or by calling 800-772-1213.
- Wait while your application is reviewed: This can take up to 6 months, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible. You can check the status of your application online.
- Receive the decision: You will receive a letter in the mail indicating whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
- Accept or appeal the decision: If you do not agree with the decision, you must appeal in writing within 60 days.
If you have epilepsy, you have rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law bans discrimination against people with disabilities in various domains, including:
- working (employment)
- voting
- running for public office
- taking public transit
- receiving healthcare
- receiving education
- accessing businesses
Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded health insurance program for adults and children who meet certain eligibility requirements.
If you have epilepsy, you might qualify for Medicaid. Eligibility varies a lot from state to state, though, so it’s best to check your state Medicaid agency to learn more.
Some people who have epilepsy require certain accommodations to work or study.
At school
Students who have epilepsy might require one or more of the following:
- an action plan for seizures at school
- frequent parent-teacher communication (for younger students)
- opportunities to make up missed classwork
- avoidance of situations and stimuli that could trigger a seizure
- a quiet place to complete assessments
- extra emotional and social support
In the workplace
Workplace accommodations for people with epilepsy depend on the job tasks. They could include:
- an action plan for seizures at work
- scheduling flexibility for medical absences
- access to a quiet space to rest during breaks
- additional safety precautions and protective gear
- a flicker-free computer monitor and glare-guard
- opportunities to repeat work training
- access to audio or written instructions
See the following common questions about epilepsy and claiming disability.
What type of disability is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is classified as a neurological disability by the SSA.
How much is a disability check for epilepsy?
Disability benefits vary depending on your work history. The average monthly disability check payment was $1,487 in September 2023.
Epilepsy is not a medical disability on its own, but some people who have it experience impairments that can interfere with their ability to work or study.
The SSA considers epilepsy as a qualifying disability. This means you have to meet eligibility criteria to receive disability benefits. To learn more, visit the SSA website.