Epilepsy Benefits in Tennessee: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and have earned enough work credits through jobs covered by Social Security taxes. In 2025, most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability begins. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on low income and limited resources, not work history. Both programs require that your epilepsy is severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if your epilepsy meets their criteria for disability[1][2][7].

Tennessee does not have its own short-term disability program, but residents with epilepsy can access several state-funded supports. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities, including epilepsy, by providing respite care, home modifications, and other services. Adults with epilepsy may qualify for Medicaid waivers like CHOICES or Employment and Community First (ECF) Choices, which offer home and community-based services for people with physical or intellectual disabilities. Children with epilepsy who do not qualify for TennCare due to family income may be eligible for the Katie Beckett program, which helps pay for medical care not covered by private insurance[3][4][5].

• Check if your epilepsy meets SSA’s disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online for SSI/SSDI at SSA.gov or visit a local office.
• For state programs, contact your local Family Support Council or DIDD Regional Intake Office.
• For Medicaid waivers, apply through TennCare or regional intake offices[1][4][5].

• Step 1: Review SSA’s Blue Book listing for epilepsy (Section 11.02 for adults, 111.02 for children). Confirm your seizures are frequent and severe enough to meet the criteria.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, including seizure logs, EEG reports, and doctor’s notes.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You’ll need your Social Security number, medical evidence, and work history.
• Step 4: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney.
• Step 5: For state programs, contact your local Family Support Council or DIDD Regional Intake Office to apply for services like respite care or home modifications.
• Step 6: For Medicaid waivers (CHOICES or ECF Choices), apply through TennCare or regional intake offices. You may need to provide proof of disability and income[1][4][5][6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with epilepsy who have a qualifying work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with epilepsy who have low income and limited resources.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI payments.
• Medicaid: Available for those who qualify for SSI or meet other criteria.
• Work Incentives: Programs like the Ticket to Work help people with epilepsy try returning to work without losing benefits[1][2][7].

• Family Support Program: State-funded program for families with children or adults with severe disabilities, including epilepsy. Services include respite care, home modifications, equipment, and personal assistance. Contact your local Family Support Council for details[3][4].
• Katie Beckett Program: For children under 18 with epilepsy who do not qualify for TennCare due to family income. Provides services and helps pay for medical care not covered by private insurance[4].
• CHOICES: Medicaid waiver for adults (21+) with physical disabilities, including epilepsy. Offers home and community-based services to help people live independently[5].
• Employment and Community First (ECF) Choices: Medicaid waiver for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including some forms of epilepsy. Focuses on employment and community living[5].
• Tennessee Disability Coalition: Advocates for statewide paid family caregiving and other supports for people with disabilities[8].

ABLE accounts allow people with epilepsy to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Tennessee residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing[4].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSDI has no strict income limit, but earnings above $1,550 per month may affect eligibility. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size[1][2][7].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or fail to report changes. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you receive one[2].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Monday–Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)
  Phone: 1-866-372-5709 (West TN), 1-800-654-4839 (Middle TN), 1-888-531-9876 (East TN)

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and long-term supports.
• Family Support Councils
  Phone: See local contacts on TN.gov

  Website

  For Family Support Program services.

• Can epilepsy qualify for disability benefits in Tennessee?

  Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must meet SSA’s medical criteria and, for SSDI, have enough work credits. State programs like Family Support and Medicaid waivers also help people with epilepsy[1][2][3].

• What medical evidence is needed for epilepsy disability?

  You’ll need medical records showing frequent, severe seizures, EEG reports, seizure logs, and doctor’s notes. The SSA may ask for a medical exam to confirm your diagnosis and how it affects your daily life[6].

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with epilepsy in Tennessee?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You’ll need your Social Security number, medical evidence, and work history. For state programs, contact your local Family Support Council or DIDD Regional Intake Office[1][4][5].

• What state programs help families with epilepsy in Tennessee?

  Tennessee’s Family Support Program offers respite care, home modifications, and other services for families with children or adults with severe disabilities, including epilepsy. The Katie Beckett program helps children with epilepsy who don’t qualify for TennCare[3][4].

• Can children with epilepsy get disability benefits in Tennessee?

  Yes, children with epilepsy may qualify for SSI if their family has low income. The Katie Beckett program helps children who don’t qualify for TennCare due to family income. Some children may also get immediate SSI payments for certain severe conditions[6][4].

• What are Medicaid waivers for epilepsy in Tennessee?