Disability Benefits and Epilepsy
Many individuals who have epilepsy are able to lead seemingly normal lives. Others, however, experience debilitating seizures that severely limit their ability to perform day-to-day activities. In circumstances like these, epilepsy and treatment side effects can make it impossible for a person to work and earn a living. The resulting loss of income tends to cause significant financial distress.
Fortunately, if epilepsy makes it impossible for you to maintain employment, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. Disability benefits can be used to offset the cost of medical expenses, lost income, and day-to-day necessities.
The following article is intended to provide an overview of Social Security Disability benefits and to provide individuals with epilepsy the information needed to begin the application process.

The Social Security Disability Programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes two different types of disability benefits. These are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs have their own unique eligibility requirements.
SSDI is a type of disability benefit offered to disabled workers and their eligible family members. To qualify for SSDI, applicants must have adequate employment history and past Social Security tax contributions. For an in-depth description of SSDI technical requirements, visit the following page: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/glossary/social-security-disability-insurance-ssdi.
SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program that offers financial assistance to individuals of all ages who earn very little income. To qualify for SSI, applicants must fall within specified financial limits. For more detailed information about SSI eligibility and financial requirements, visit the following page: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-eligibility-ussi.htm.
Individuals who do not meet either program’s technical requirements will not qualify for disability benefits.

Medical Eligibility
To determine whether or not an applicant is medically eligible for disability benefits, the SSA consults the official manual of disabling conditions. Typically referred to as the blue book, this manual contains all medical eligibility requirements for many potentially disabling conditions. Epilepsy is covered within two different sections of the SSA’s blue book.
Blue book listing 11.02 covers convulsive epilepsy. To qualify under this listing, applicants must provide medical evidence of the following:
Daytime episodes characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsive seizures; or
Nocturnal episodes that have lasting residual effects that impact the person during the day.
Blue book listing 11.03 covers non-convulsive epilepsy. To meet this listing, applicants must provide medical evidence of the following:
Non-convulsive seizures characterized by altered awareness, loss of consciousness, and post-seizure changes in behavior.
It is important to note that in order for an applicant to meet either of these listings, they must experience seizures on a weekly basis despite receiving medical treatment for a minimum of three months.
To view these complete blue book listings, visit the following page: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm#11_02

Social Security Disability Application Process
Prior to beginning the Social Security Disability application process, it is important that applicants compile all relevant medical documentation to support the claim. The SSA will look to this documentation to find proof of your condition. Without the appropriate medical evidence, your claim will not be approved. This documentation may include the following:
Record of your diagnosis
Findings of physical and mental examinations
Detailed documentation of your seizure pattern
History of your treatments and your response to them
History of hospitalizations and medical appointments
Written statements from your treating physicians that attest to your symptoms and limitations
After collecting the necessary medical records, you can apply for benefits online at the SSA’s website or in person at your local Social Security office. The actual application is made up of several different forms. It is important that you take the time to fill these out completely and accurately. Any missing or inconsistent information may result in the delay or denial of your application for disability benefits.
Once you submit your disability claim, it may be several months before you receive a decision. It is important that you prepare yourself to face the possibility of being denied. Although being denied can be discouraging and overwhelming, it is important that you do not give up. The appeals process is often a necessary step toward receiving disability benefits. In fact, many more applicants are approved during the appeals process than during the initial application phase.

For more information about Social Security Disability benefits and epilepsy, visit the following page: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/epilepsy-and-social-security-disability