If you have epilepsy in Idaho, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 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 working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For adults, epilepsy is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 11.02. You must have frequent seizures despite medication, or your seizures must severely limit your ability to function. For children, epilepsy is listed under Section 111.02. The SSA also considers how your seizures affect your daily life, including your ability to work, learn, and care for yourself. You must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you are approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to Medicare or Medicaid.
In Idaho, adults with epilepsy may qualify for Medicaid and developmental disability services if they meet financial and medical criteria. To be eligible for developmental disability services, your epilepsy must have appeared before age 22, be chronic, and substantially limit your ability to function in at least three major life activities, such as self-care, learning, mobility, or economic self-sufficiency. You must also meet the ICF/IID level of care. Financial eligibility is determined by Medicaid. If you are approved, you may receive services such as case management, therapy, and support for independent living. Idaho also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which can provide additional support. If you are not eligible for developmental disability services, you may still qualify for Medicaid based on income and disability.
Review the SSA’s criteria for epilepsy disability (Blue Book Section 11.02 for adults, 111.02 for children).
Gather medical records, including seizure logs, medication lists, and doctor’s notes.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
Apply for Medicaid through Idaho Health and Welfare or HealthCare.gov.
If you are approved for Medicaid, contact Idaho’s Division of Medicaid to apply for developmental disability services.
Complete the application and assessment for developmental disability services, including functional and medical evaluations.
Submit all required documents and wait for a decision from Idaho Disability Determinations Service.
If approved, you will receive monthly benefits and access to Medicaid services.
Report any changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments.
Explore work incentives and ABLE accounts to help you work while keeping benefits.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (2025-11-05)
Idaho Medicaid Application (2025-11-05)
Idaho Disability Determinations Service (2025-11-05)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with a work history who are disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and resources who are disabled.
Medicare: Health insurance for people with SSDI after 24 months.
Medicaid: Health insurance for people with SSI or low income.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
SSA: SSDI and SSI (2025-11-05)
SSA: ABLE Accounts (2025-11-05)
Idaho Medicaid: Health insurance for people with disabilities and low income.
Idaho Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, including epilepsy.
Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Employment support for people with disabilities.
Idaho Disability Determinations Service: Reviews medical evidence for SSDI and SSI claims.
Idaho ABLE Program: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
Idaho Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) (2025-11-05)
Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (2025-11-05)
Idaho ABLE Program (2025-11-05)
Idaho Disability Determinations Service (2025-11-05)
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Idaho, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Idaho’s ABLE program is run by the Idaho Public Employees Retirement System.
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Idaho Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. You must report any changes in income to avoid overpayments.
If you earn more than the SGA limit or your income changes, you must report it to the SSA. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
Contact Idaho Disability Determinations Service or your local Social Security office for help with your application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Yes, if your epilepsy meets the SSA’s criteria for disability. You must have frequent seizures despite medication, or your seizures must severely limit your ability to work and function. You must also meet income and resource requirements for SSI.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, your SSDI or SSI benefits may be reduced or stopped.
First, apply for Medicaid through Idaho Health and Welfare or HealthCare.gov. If you are approved, you can then apply for developmental disability services if you meet the medical and financial criteria.
Idaho offers Medicaid, Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, and ABLE accounts. You may also qualify for case management, therapy, and support for independent living.
Yes, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit. Work incentives like the Ticket to Work program can help you keep benefits while working part-time or full-time.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, you must report any changes in income, work, or medical status to the SSA. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties.
First, apply for Medicaid and be determined financially eligible. Then, complete an application and assessment for developmental disability services to determine if you meet the medical criteria.
The process can take several months. Idaho Disability Determinations Service reviews your medical evidence and makes a decision based on SSA criteria.
Yes, children with epilepsy may qualify for SSI if they meet the SSA’s criteria. They may also receive Medicaid and other support services.
