People with epilepsy in Nebraska may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), state programs, and Medicaid. Eligibility depends on how much epilepsy limits daily activities and work. This guide explains steps to apply and what support is available.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for epilepsy, your condition must stop you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how epilepsy affects your ability to work, learn, or do daily tasks. Even if epilepsy is not listed in the SSA’s official guide, you may still qualify if it is severe enough to limit your activities. You must also meet income and work history rules for SSDI, or income and asset rules for SSI [1].
For children, epilepsy must seriously limit their activities to qualify for SSI. Adults with epilepsy that started before age 22 may get benefits based on a parent’s work record if they are unmarried and meet the disability rules [7].
Nebraska offers extra help for people with epilepsy who are denied federal disability benefits. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program gives cash and medical coverage to people whose disability is expected to last less than 12 months, making them ineligible for SSI. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program helps people of all ages with severe, chronic disabilities, including epilepsy, by funding services like home modifications, counseling, and personal care. To qualify, a licensed doctor must diagnose your epilepsy as severe and chronic [4][6].
State programs may help if your epilepsy limits your ability to live independently or work, even if you do not meet federal rules. Nebraska also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with epilepsy stay in their homes instead of institutions [6].
ABLE accounts let people with epilepsy save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Nebraska residents can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Nebraska [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit is $967 for an individual. SSDI is not based on income, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from work and still get benefits. State programs like AABD and DPFS have their own income and asset rules [2][7].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security or Nebraska DHHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Many agencies in Nebraska offer free help with disability applications. Contact Nebraska DHHS or your local Social Security office for support.
Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities for at least 12 months. You must provide medical proof and meet income or work history rules [1][7].
Even if epilepsy is not listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it is severe enough to limit your ability to work or live independently. The SSA looks at how your condition affects your daily life [1].
Yes, children with epilepsy may get SSI if their condition seriously limits their activities. Adults with epilepsy that started before age 22 may get benefits based on a parent’s work record if they are unmarried and meet the rules [7].
Nebraska offers the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) and Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) programs. These provide cash, medical coverage, and services for people with severe, chronic epilepsy who are denied federal benefits [4][6].
Gather medical records, decide if you want SSI or SSDI, apply online or in person, and contact Nebraska DHHS for state programs. Ask for help if you need it—many agencies offer free support [2][7].
You need records from your doctor showing your epilepsy diagnosis, seizure frequency, and how it limits your daily activities or work. The SSA and state programs use this to decide if you qualify [1][6].
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, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. The Trial Work Period allows you to work for up to 9 months without losing SSDI. After that, your benefits may change based on your earnings [3][7].
In 2025, the monthly income limit for SSI is $967 for an individual. SSDI is not based on income, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from work and still get benefits [2][7].
Medicaid waivers let people with epilepsy get home and community-based services instead of living in institutions. These services can include home modifications, counseling, and personal care [6].
An ABLE account lets people with epilepsy save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Nebraska residents can open an ABLE account to help with costs [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
