November is epilepsy awareness month, so there’s no better time to recognize the challenges people who live with epilepsy can face. The CDC states that more than three million adults in this country have epilepsy.
Having seizures can leave many people tired, sore, and unable to work for days at a time. The threat of seizures can also make it dangerous to work, especially for jobs that require you to be on your feet. While medication is effective for some people, it often comes at a high cost.
Luckily, disability benefits can provide financial relief for many individuals with epilepsy. If you are diagnosed with epilepsy and cannot work for at least 12 months, you’re a good candidate for benefits. Read this blog to learn how you can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Epilepsy
The Social Security Administration considers epilepsy to be a qualifying condition for disability benefits. This means that if you’ve been diagnosed with epilepsy and are unable to work for an extended period of time, you have a high chance of being granted benefits.
While your chances are good, you will still need to provide extensive evidence of your condition. The SSA splits epilepsy into 2 categories: convulsive epilepsy and non-convulsive epilepsy.
Non-convulsive Epilepsy
If you have non-convulsive epilepsy, you must provide proof that you experience at least one of the following:
- Seizures during the day that make you convulse or lose consciousness
- Seizures at night that create serious problems for you during the day. These can be problems like thinking clearly, staying awake, or coordinating your movements.
In addition to these conditions, you will need to provide proof that you are still having at least one seizure a month after having been on anti-seizure medication for 3 months.
Convulsive Epilepsy
If you have convulsive epilepsy, you will need to provide evidence that you experience all of the following:
- Seizures that happen either during the day or night
- Serious issues like strange behavior, impaired thinking, fatigue, or other post-seizure behavior that interferes with your daytime activities.
Documenting Your Condition
To qualify for Social Security benefits, you will need to have a neurologist provide documentation of your epilepsy diagnosis. The doctor will also have to witness an actual seizure you have as medical proof of your condition.
Navigating the medical field can be difficult, especially when you are suffering from a condition that limits your activity. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire a Social Security Disability lawyer to manage your case.
An attorney can help you find a doctor, gather medical paperwork, complete application materials, and pursue any appeals or legal challenges your case presents.
Apply For Social Security Benefits in Chicago, IL
When you need help applying for Social Security Disability benefits, trust the experts at Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates. We’re the top Social Security law firm in Des Plaines and the surrounding Chicagoland area. Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
