Epilepsy Benefits in Alabama: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with epilepsy, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your epilepsy must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA reviews medical records, seizure frequency, and how seizures affect daily life. If you meet these criteria, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), depending on your work history and financial need. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals ($2,700 if blind) [6].

Children with epilepsy may also qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA criteria and their family’s income is low enough [5].

In Alabama, people with epilepsy may qualify for Medicaid through the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver or other home and community-based waiver programs. To qualify, you must meet the nursing facility level of care and have income below $2,901 per month and resources below $2,000 as of the first day of each month [2]. Some people with epilepsy may also qualify for Medicaid if they receive SSI benefits, as SSI eligibility often leads to Medicaid coverage in Alabama [3].

Alabama also has local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) that can help people with epilepsy apply for benefits and connect with support services [7]. State-specific eligibility may vary based on the type of waiver or program, so it’s important to check with the Alabama Medicaid Agency or ADRC for the most current requirements.

• Gather medical records showing epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.
• Review federal SSI/SSDI eligibility using the SSA’s online tools.
• Contact your local Social Security office or ADRC for help applying.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person for SSI/SSDI.
• If eligible, apply for Alabama Medicaid or waiver programs.
• Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get a complete medical record from your doctor, including seizure history, medications, and how epilepsy affects your daily life.
• Step 2: Review the SSA’s disability criteria for epilepsy at ssa.gov. If you meet the criteria, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. You can also get help from an ADRC or disability advocate.
• Step 4: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama. If not, apply for Medicaid or a waiver program through the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
• Step 5: If you are denied, you can appeal the decision. ADRCs and legal aid groups can help with appeals.
• Step 6: Once approved, report any changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Use work incentives, like the Ticket to Work program, if you want to try working while keeping benefits.
• Step 8: Stay in touch with your local ADRC for ongoing support and updates on benefits.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and limited resources who have a disability, including epilepsy.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with a disability who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with epilepsy who qualify for SSI or meet Medicaid criteria.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Programs that let people with disabilities try working without losing benefits right away.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including epilepsy, to save for expenses without losing benefits.

• Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver: Alabama Medicaid program for people with epilepsy who need home and community-based services. Covers case management, personal care, respite care, and more. Income limit: $2,901/month; resource limit: $2,000 [2].
• Other HCBS Waivers: Alabama offers several home and community-based waivers for people with epilepsy, including SAIL, ID, TA, and LAH programs. These help people avoid institutional care and get full Medicaid coverage plus extra services [2].
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Free local centers that help people with epilepsy apply for benefits, find services, and get counseling [7].
• SSI-Related Medicaid: People who no longer get SSI but meet certain criteria can keep Medicaid benefits in Alabama [3].
• Children’s Programs: Children with epilepsy may qualify for SSI or Medicaid if their family meets income limits and their condition meets SSA criteria [5].

People with epilepsy in Alabama can open an ABLE account to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the first $100,000 is not counted as a resource for SSI. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply at ssa.gov/programs/able [8].

• SSI: For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals ($2,700 if blind) [6].
• Medicaid (E&D Waiver): Income limit is $2,901/month; resource limit is $2,000 as of the first day of each month [2].
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit to qualify.
• Children: SSI limits apply; family income and resources are considered [5].

If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes. For more details, see our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [8].

• Alabama Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
  Phone: 1-800-243-5463

  Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

  Website

  Free counseling and application help for people with epilepsy and other disabilities.
• Alabama Medicaid Agency
  Phone: 1-800-362-1504

  Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and waiver programs for people with epilepsy.

• Can epilepsy qualify for disability benefits in Alabama?

  Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets the SSA’s disability criteria. You must show that your seizures are severe enough to prevent you from working and are expected to last at least 12 months. Medical records are key to proving your case.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI with epilepsy in Alabama?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and information about your work history and income. ADRCs can help you with the process.

• What Medicaid programs are available for people with epilepsy in Alabama?

  Alabama offers Medicaid through the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver and other home and community-based waivers. These programs help people with epilepsy get care at home and avoid nursing homes.

• What are the income limits for SSI and Medicaid in Alabama?

  For 2025, the SSI SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals ($2,700 if blind). For Medicaid (E&D Waiver), income must be below $2,901/month and resources below $2,000.

• Can children with epilepsy get benefits in Alabama?

  Yes, children with epilepsy may qualify for SSI or Medicaid if their condition meets SSA criteria and their family’s income is low enough. The state may make immediate payments for some severe conditions.

• What work incentives are available for people with epilepsy in Alabama?

  Work incentives let people with epilepsy try working without losing benefits right away. These include the Ticket to Work program and special rules for reporting earnings.