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how to get disability benefits for epilepsy

by Lourdes Mills MD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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To qualify under the Blue Book listing, your epilepsy must be severe and uncontrolled by medications, despite you strictly following your doctor's treatment orders AND the evidence in your medical records must meet or closely match the listing for the type of epileptic seizures you have.

Full Answer

Can I get Social Security disability SSDI SSI for epilepsy?

When Do Epileptic Adults Qualify for Social Security Disability Payments? Adults with epilepsy may be eligible for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI, for those who paid taxes into the Social Security system) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI, for low-income people).

Can you get disability for epilepsy?

Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological ... Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You could get either £60.00 or £89.60 a week depending on the level of care you need because of your condition ...

Is epilepsy considered disabled?

Epilepsy is considered a disability and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. For epilepsy to qualify for disability benefits, it must meet the criteria of the Blue Book listing. There are different listings for epilepsy in the Blue Book. One is for convulsive seizures, which is listing 11.02.

Is epilepsy a Social Security disability?

Social Security Disability and Epilepsy. If you are an adult who has epilepsy, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate your case based on the type, duration, frequency, and nature of the epilepsy. Since well-controlled epilepsy may not be disabling, it’s required to pro ve that your epilepsy has an impact on your daily ...

What is my epilepsy team?

How long does it take to get disability?

How long after you become disabled can you get Medicare?

How much do you have to earn to qualify for disability?

Do people with epilepsy need to apply for disability?

Can I get Medicaid if I have SSI?

Do you have to have a work history to get SSI?

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How hard is it to get disability for epilepsy?

As is the case with many disabling impairments, winning a claim for Social Security Benefits based on seizure disorder can be somewhat difficult. Social Security requires that you have frequent seizures that interfere with your activities and that are well documented.

What type of seizures qualify for disability?

If, despite following your doctor's recommended treatment, you've been experiencing seizures once a month (for tonic-clonic) or once a week (for dyscognitive) for three months in a row, you will meet the criteria for a medical disability under the listings, and Social Security will find you disabled.

What benefits can someone with epilepsy get?

You may be entitled to benefits, depending on how your epilepsy affects you. This might include Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit and Attendance Allowance. You will need to meet certain requirements in order to qualify for these benefits.

Can you claim benefits if you have epilepsy?

Some people with epilepsy can claim health-related benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Employment Support Allowance.

What jobs can I not do with epilepsy?

People with epilepsy are successfully employed in a variety of jobs that might be considered high-risk: police officer, firefighter, welder, butcher, construction worker, etc. Epilepsy is a highly variable disorder and it is difficult to generalize about safety issues.

Are you disabled if you have epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a physical, long-term condition and people with epilepsy are protected under the Equality Act, even if their seizures are controlled or if they don't consider themselves to be 'disabled'.

Is epilepsy a long term disability?

Proving Epilepsy As A Disability. To get approved for long term disability, your insurance company will require proof of your condition, symptoms, and impact on your job performance. This evidence can come in a few forms: proof of diagnosis; additional testing; proof of appropriate treatment; and personal documentation ...

Does epilepsy qualify for disability tax credit?

People living with severe epilepsy not controlled by medications often find it challenging to obtain the disability tax credit (DTC) because the condition falls into a grey area. However, people with epilepsy and family members supporting people with the condition have avenues to take in order to receive the DTC.

Is epilepsy a protected disability?

Individuals with epilepsy are covered under the ADA, since epilepsy is a physiological disorder affecting the neurological system. Persons with seizure disorders therefore have an impairment that substantially limits participation in a major life activity (i.e., working).

What jobs can I do with epilepsy?

What jobs can you get when you have epilepsy?Service Animal Trainer. Getting a job as an animal trainer is one of the ideal jobs available for epilepsy patients. ... Data Entry. Data entry is suitable for epilepsy patients because it allows them to work at their own pace. ... Librarian. ... Mental Health Counselor. ... Artist.

Does epilepsy get worse with age?

The incidence of any type of seizure increases substantially over the age of 60, commonly due to other neurological conditions such as dementia or stroke.

Does epilepsy affect memory?

The epilepsy may cause difficulties with being able to store memories. Research has shown that people with epilepsy are prone to forget things more quickly than others.

Disability for Epilepsy | The National Benefit Authority | Canada

The NBA examines the neurological disorder, epilepsy – its symptoms, causes, the main types, and which Canadian disability benefits it qualifies for.

Epilepsy - Canadian Disability Benefits

About Our Information. Canadian Disability Benefits is a financial services company with extensive tax and financial consulting experience. Amongst the various services we offer, our specialty is in processing the Disability Tax Credit on behalf of our clients, having done so for over a decade to date.

Canada Pension Plan disability benefits: Do you qualify

Canada Pension Plan disability benefits. Overview Overview; Do you qualify; How much could you receive How much could you receive; Apply Apply; After you apply After you apply; Information for health care professionals Information for health care professionals; Do you qualify

Canada Pension Plan disability benefits: How much you could receive

How much your benefits amount could be. Read more about Canada Pension Plan benefits amounts.. Your payment. You can receive your benefit payment by direct deposit to your banking account in Canada, the United States, or other specific countries.. If you are getting other benefits

How to apply for disability benefits?

The best way to apply for Social Security disability benefits is to make an appointment at your local SSA office. Bring copies of all of your medical records and other documentation with you to the appointment. A staff member will help you fill out the application and submit your claim.

How many people have epilepsy?

According to the CDC more than 3 million adults have epilepsy. Epilepsy causes seizures that can make it difficult or impossible for someone to work full time. Seizures can sometimes be controlled with medication, but the cost of that medication can be very expensive.

What are the symptoms of a seizure?

Seizures that cause you to experience pronounced issues after each seizure, which may include things like unusual behaviors, trouble thinking, a lack of energy, difficulty staying awake, or other post-seizure symptoms that interrupt daytime activities.

Can you get medical vocational allowance if you have epilepsy?

If you have epilepsy that makes it impossible for you to work but doesn’t meet the strict criteria listed in the Blue book you may be able to qualify for benefits under a Medical Vocational Allowance. To qualify you will need to demonstrate that your seizures or the aftermath of your seizures are so severe that they make it impossible to work with the skills that you have. When you fill out a claim for benefits you can ask for a Residual Functional Capacity Evaluation. This evaluation is done by the SSA to see if there’s any kind of work that you can reasonably be expected to do. If the SSA determines that there is no type of work that you can do because of epilepsy you can be approved for benefits even though you don’t meet the Blue Book listing requirements.

Can you file for disability if you have epilepsy?

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and you can’t work and you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security disability benefits can provide money that you need to pay for things like housing, bills, food, and other expenses.

How often can you get disability for a tonic clonic seizure?

If you have generalized tonic-clonic seizures, you will be approved for disability benefits if you have: seizures that occur at least once a month for three consecutive months; no marked limitation necessary.

How to apply for SSI disability?

To set up an appointment to submit an application for SSI or SSDI through your local SSA office, call the SSA at 800-772-1213. After you submit all the necessary medical and financial information to the SSA, a claims examiner will request your medical records, review them with a medical consultant, and make a decision on whether to approve disability benefits for your epilepsy. It will likely take three to six months for the SSA to determine whether you are eligible for disability benefits.

How long do you have to take medication for epilepsy?

Note that, because it can take several months of taking medication to control seizures, especially if the medication needs to be adjusted, you must have taken your prescribed medication for at least three months before applying for disability benefits. In addition, if your doctor has told you to abstain from alcohol, and you haven't, you won't be considered to have followed prescribed treatment for three months. (Alcohol use can increase the risk of seizures and weaken the effect of anticonvulsant drugs.)

What causes seizures and changes in behavior?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures, episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that cause convulsions or changes in behavior. Epilepsy can be caused by cerebral palsy, brain injury, brain infections, stroke, or brain tumor, but much of the time the cause is unknown.

What are the symptoms of a seizure?

seizures that occur at least once every other week for three consecutive months, and a "marked" (severe) limitation in one of the following areas:#N#physical functioning, such as standing, balancing, or using your arms and hands#N#understanding, remembering, or using information in work activities#N#interacting with others#N#concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace, or#N#controlling emotions and behavior and maintaining well-being in a workplace setting, 1 physical functioning, such as standing, balancing, or using your arms and hands 2 understanding, remembering, or using information in work activities 3 interacting with others 4 concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace, or 5 controlling emotions and behavior and maintaining well-being in a workplace setting,

How many people have refractory epilepsy?

While most cases of epilepsy can be treated successfully with medication, about 35-40% of people have "medically refractory epilepsy," or "intractable epilepsy," meaning that medication does not prevent seizures. There are several types of epilepsy, which cause various types of seizures:

Can you get disability if you have epilepsy?

If your epilepsy doesn't meet these requirements, you still might be able to get disability benefits based on a "medical-vocational allowance," if you can show that your epilepsy interferes with your capacity to work so much that there are no jobs you can do, considering your prior job experience, your education, and your age.

How long does it take for an epilepsy patient to be diagnosed with disability?

To establish disability, patients will have to prove that epilepsy interferes with daily activities despite taking prescribed anticonvulsant medications for as long as three months. In some cases, patients may have to prove that alcohol and drug use aren’t contributing to the medicine’s lack of effectiveness.

What are the two types of seizure disorders?

Seizure type mental disorders are generally classified into two groups – Generalized and Partial. Before learning the process of getting disability for epilepsy, it is helpful to understand the different types of seizure disorders and their symptoms.

What causes seizures?

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by recurring seizures. It may be caused by genetic abnormalities or brain injury, but often the source is unknown. Seizure symptoms can range from simple staring spells or convulsions to total loss of consciousness. Seizures vary in frequency among people diagnosed with epilepsy.

Can a partial seizure be a generalized seizure?

The symptoms are: A partial seizure evolving into a generalized seizure. The seizure typically can be a generalized one or tonic-clonic. Around 70% of patients with partial seizures can have seizures controlled with proper medication. Seizures uncontrolled after the use of medication may require a surgical procedure.

Can you get disability for seizures?

Many people greatly reduce the frequency with which seizures occur through medication and proper treatment, with some becoming completely seizure free after a few years of treatment. Others, however, will continue to experience frequent, uncontrollable seizures. Adults diagnosed with epilepsy may be entitled to disability benefits from ...

Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits for Epilepsy?

The Blue Book lists impairments the SSA considers debilitating to such a degree that they prevent someone from working. It outlines the medical criteria for determining whether an applicant can receive disability benefits.

Can You Get Disability Benefits for Epilepsy if You Do Not Meet the Blue Book Criteria?

Not everyone with debilitating seizures will meet the criteria noted above even if their condition prevents them from working. If you do not meet the medical criteria noted in the Blue Book, you may still establish entitlement to benefits through the medical-vocational guidelines.

Evidence Required for Applying for Disability Benefits for Epilepsy

No matter what condition you are applying for, you will have to submit a complete record of medical documentation and evidence with your application to be approved for a disability claim. If you do not have complete records and evidence, your application may be denied.

How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for Benefits?

Before you commence with the application, you should ensure that you have all the documents SSA will need to make its determination. The SSA may reject your application for incomplete evidence. The Social Security office can take anywhere from three months to six months to decide your application. The disability process can be lengthy.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder marked by recurring, unexpected seizures. A physician may diagnose epilepsy after a person has suffered two or more seizures, or a high-risk seizure, of unknown origin or underlying medical condition. Seizures are electrical disturbances in brain activity that are episodic and unpredictable.

Seizures Types

Doctors generally classify seizures as Focal Seizures and Generalized Seizures.

Is Epilepsy A Disability?

Epilepsy is a disorder that causes seizures. This disease can affect your ability to engage in normal activities of daily life and to maintain gainful employment. It can affect your budget by adding medical bills for ongoing treatment.

How often do you have to have a convulsive seizure?

Individuals who experience convulsive seizures will be required to show evidence of seizures that occur at least once every two months for four months or longer while taking medication. Limitations in one of the following are also required: Adapting or managing oneself.

What causes a seizure in the brain?

Sometimes, it can result from a condition like a stroke or cerebral palsy, but other causes are unknown. Seizure symptoms can range from severe things like loss of consciousness and convulsions to less problematic symptoms like staring spells. In many cases, the seizures vary in frequency.

Can you get disability if you have epilepsy?

If you are an adult who has epilepsy, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits . The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate your case based on the type, duration, frequency, and nature of the epilepsy. Since well-controlled epilepsy may not be disabling, it’s required to prove that your epilepsy has an impact on your daily life, even when you are taking proper prescription medication.

Is Epilepsy A Long Term Disability?

Whether your insurance company will consider your epilepsy a disability will depend on a few factors. They will want to understand the symptoms you experience due to your epilepsy, both physical and cognitive.

Proving Epilepsy As A Disability

To get approved for long term disability, your insurance company will require proof of your condition, symptoms, and impact on your job performance. This evidence can come in a few forms: proof of diagnosis; additional testing; proof of appropriate treatment; and personal documentation.

A Long Term Disability Attorney Can Help

For epilepsy disability claim, it is advised you consult with a disability attorney. An experienced long term disability insurance attorney can help. They will understand how best to substantiate your epilepsy claim with evidence your insurance company is looking for and significantly increase your chances of approval.

What is my epilepsy team?

MyEpilepsyTeam is the social network for people with epilepsy and their loved ones. More than 91,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with epilepsy.

How long does it take to get disability?

Processing an application for disability benefits takes an average of three to five months. It can take even longer to get approved. Most people are not approved the first time they apply. From 2009 through 2018, only 21 percent of applicants were approved on their first attempt.

How long after you become disabled can you get Medicare?

If you are approved, you can receive benefits in the sixth month following your disability designation. You will then be eligible for Medicare 24 months after you became disabled.

How much do you have to earn to qualify for disability?

In determining your eligibility for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will evaluate the following criteria: You are likely ineligible for benefits if you earn $1,260 or more a month. If you earn less, you may still be eligible; the amount you receive may be reduced.

Do people with epilepsy need to apply for disability?

People with epilepsy face considerable paperwork when applying for disability benefits . The Social Security Administration offers a checklist of necessary application information. Below is a summary of what you’ll need to provide.

Can I get Medicaid if I have SSI?

In most states, if you qualify for SSI, you are also eligible for Medicaid. In some states and territories — Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and the Northern Mariana Islands — you will need to apply for Medicaid and SSI separately, though the requirements for both are the same.

Do you have to have a work history to get SSI?

SSI gives disability benefits to those who are considered low-income; a work history is not a requirement. Once you are approved, you should start to receive benefits in the next month. You may also be eligible for SSI back payments if you became disabled prior your approval. In most states, if you qualify for SSI, ...

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