Applying for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) with epilepsy can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect makes it more manageable. Here's a breakdown of what's involved:
To qualify for SSDI, you generally need to
- Have a disability (epilepsy qualifies under Neurological Disorders) that limits your ability Show Full Answer
Applying for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) with epilepsy can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect makes it more manageable. Here's a breakdown of what's involved:
To qualify for SSDI, you generally need to:
- Have a disability (epilepsy qualifies under Neurological Disorders) that limits your ability to work
- Have been unable to work for at least 12 months
- Have a recent work history, since SSDI is funded through payroll taxes
When applying, you'll need to gather:
- Personal ID, Social Security card, and birth certificate
- W-2 or tax forms from the previous year
- Full medical records, including EEGs, MRIs, CT scans
- A list of all medications (past and present) and any side effects
- Contact information for your neurologist
- A description of how epilepsy impacts your daily life and ability to work One important thing to know: most people are not approved on their first attempt. Only about 21% of applicants were approved initially between 2009 and 2018. Don't be discouraged — appeals are common and possible.
Tips from MyEpilepsyTeam members:
- Document everything about your condition thoroughly
- Make sure your doctor clearly explains how epilepsy limits your ability to work
- Consider hiring a disability attorney early — it can speed up the process significantly
- Be completely honest during medical reviews about how epilepsy affects your daily life
If denied, you can appeal, and if needed, request a hearing with an administrative law judge. One MyEpilepsyTeam member shared that after being denied three times, they were approved at the federal level — so persistence matters! Massachusetts follows the same federal SSDI rules, so the process is the same as the rest of the U.S. You can apply online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
Once approved, benefits begin in the sixth month after your disability designation, and Medicare eligibility follows 24 months after that.
July 2
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