Social Security Disability Attorneys for Epilepsy

If your doctor diagnosed you with epilepsy and your symptoms prevent you from performing your job-related duties, you should contact the Indiana Social Security Disability lawyers of Hankey Marks & Crider for legal assistance. You might be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits to supplement your lost wages, so you’re able to pay for daily living expenses and medical costs.

A disabling condition, such as epilepsy, can severely impact your physical and mental functional capacity. When you can’t earn your family’s primary source of income, it can create significant stress and possibly lead to debt. You should not have to suffer any further because of your disability. The Social Security Disability attorneys of Hankey Marks & Crider can apply for benefits on your behalf, so you collect the benefit payments you need to support yourself and your family.

Call us at (317) 634-8565 right now for your initial free consultation to get started on your Social Security Disability application.

Common Types of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system. Abnormal brain activity can result in periods of unusual behavior, sensations, loss of awareness, and seizures. During a seizure, the symptoms you experience can range from seconds of staring blankly to twitching of your legs or arms. You must have at least two unprovoked attacks for a doctor to diagnose you with epilepsy. One random episode does not qualify.

The symptoms of a seizure can vary for each person and depends on the type you have.

Focal (partial) Seizures

Simple partial seizures don’t include loss of consciousness. Symptoms could be:

• Dizziness
• Twitching and tingling of limbs
• Distorted sense of smell, hearing, taste, touch, or sight

Complex partial seizures cause loss of consciousness or mental awareness. Common symptoms are:

• Unresponsiveness
• Blank staring
• Repetitive movements

Generalized Seizures

Six types of generalized seizures exist that affect the entire brain:

• Tonic seizures – Result in stiff muscles.
• Absence seizures – Short period of lost awareness, blinking, lip-smacking, and a blank stare. These are known as “petit mal seizures.”
• Clonic seizures – Repetitive jerking of muscles in the neck, arms, and face.
• Atonic seizures – Loss of muscle control could lead to a sudden fall.
• Tonic-clonic seizures – Once called grand mal seizures, these can cause tongue biting, shaking, loss of bowel or bladder control, and stiffening of the body.
• Myoclonic seizures – Spontaneous, rapid leg and arm twitches.

Around half of all people diagnosed with epilepsy don’t have a specific cause for the condition. The other half might have developed it because of genetics, developmental disorders, head trauma, and various other factors.

Benefits from Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income

SSI and SSD are two distinct types of benefits that may be available to assist disabled workers.

Supplemental Security Income benefits are for individuals and couples unable to qualify for Social Security Disability. General fund taxes provide payments based on your income and assets.

If you’re applying as an individual, you must earn minimal income and have less than $2,000 in assets. If you’re a couple, your assets cannot exceed $3,000.

Social Security Disability benefits come from the Social Security taxes taken from your paychecks while you’re working. You’re only eligible for coverage if you have a disability that prevents you from returning to work.

Your payments will depend on the average income you made each month before your diagnosis of epilepsy and how many years you worked before becoming disabled. Your spouse and children may also be entitled to benefits if you collect SSD benefits for more than two years.

When Should I Apply for Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration will only provide benefit payments if there’s a significant history of a disabling condition that prevents you from working. You must have epilepsy for at least six months before being eligible for coverage. However, this does not necessarily mean you should wait an entire year before beginning the application process. It could take months for the office to approve your claim, and you might encounter roadblocks along the way. So it would be in your best interest to start working on your case immediately following your diagnosis.

You can apply for SSD benefits in a number of ways:

• Online
• Call 1-800-772-1213
• Visit a local Social Security office 

After you submit your application, the Social Security office will review everything and determine if you qualify for benefits. They will then have to submit it to the state’s agency for approval. The state’s agency will offer their determination and return it to the Social Security office. If they agree with the state’s decision, you will begin receiving payments once the waiting period passes. If denied, you can file an appeal.

How To Appeal A Denied Claim for Social Security Disability Benefits

It is your right to file an appeal if the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your claim. Typically, you would have to initiate the process within 60 days of the denial notice. The notice you received should contain information on why they denied your claim and which level you should choose for your appeal:

• Reconsideration
• Review by the Appeals Council
• Hearing by administrative law judge
• Federal Court review

You could also stop by your local Social Security office or call the toll-free number for assistance if you don’t want to file an appeal through the SSA website.

Contact Hankey Marks & Crider Today

The Social Security Disability attorneys of Hankey Marks & Crider have over 80 years of combined experience recovering benefit payments for our clients. We can file your initial claim or appeal a denied claim and help ensure the SSA provides the coverage you rightfully deserve.

Epilepsy can cause highly debilitating symptoms, diminishing your qualify of life and affecting your daily routine. When you have a disabling condition keeping you from earning a living, it can be overwhelming and stressful. You do not have to go through the complicated application process alone. We will guide you through it and take on the responsibility of the paperwork and deadlines ourselves.

To find out more about our services or meet with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney for a free consultation, call Hankey Marks & Crider at (317) 634-8565. Epilepsy may have impacted your life, but it doesn’t have to ruin your future.