Can my nephew qualify for Social Security Disability with epilepsy and MS but reluctant to apply?

Based on what you've described, your nephew likely has a strong case for SSDI. Both epilepsy and MS are conditions that can qualify for disability benefits, especially when they impact someone's ability to maintain employment. The fact that he's lost jobs specifically due to concentration/focus issues related to his conditions and that he can't drive due to seizure frequency are important factors the SSA would consider. Something that might help your nephew mentally is to understand that SSDI isn't welfare - it's an insurance program he's been paying into with every paycheck. If he's worked enough in the past 10 years (generally needs 20 credits earned in last 10 years at his age), he's EARNED these benefits. I'd suggest having him look at SSA's Blue Book listing for epilepsy (Listing 11.02) and multiple sclerosis (Listing 11.09) to see how his conditions match up with their criteria. Documentation will be crucial - all medical records, treatments attempted, frequency of seizures, how MS symptoms affect him daily, and statements from previous employers if possible about why his employment ended.

I was in almost identical situation as ur nephew few years back. Had epilepsy + other neuro issues, got fired twice in 6 months. HATED the idea of going on disability. Felt like I was admitting defeat at 32. But my doctor finally convinced me to apply and I got approved on my first try! That NEVER happens from what everyone told me. Honest truth: SSA doesn't care about your nephews pride. They ONLY care if he can maintain substantial gainful employment. With his conditions? He probably qualifies. But DONT GO THROUGH THIS ALONE!!! The paperwork is INSANE and they will deny you just because you checked the wrong box even if ur conditions are genuine. Tell him I said its not giving up. Its making a strategic life decision. I still work part time when I feel good. If his earn under the allowed amount, he can work some without losing benefits!

I know it's tough getting through to someone on the SSA phone lines to discuss his specific situation, but it might really help if he could speak directly with a claims representative. My brother was in a similar situation (different health issues but same reluctance) and actually TALKING to someone about his specific case made all the difference. Have you heard of Claimyr? I used their service when I was trying to reach SSA about my own benefits. Instead of spending days trying to get through, they connected me to an agent in about 25 minutes. It costs a bit, but saved me literally days of frustration. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU showing how it works. Might be worth it for your nephew to actually talk through his specific situation with SSA directly. Either way, I think the key message is that SSDI exists precisely for hardworking people like your nephew who WANT to work but have medical conditions making it difficult or impossible.

It really does work! I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for 3 days to get through. You pay them, they call SSA and navigate the phone tree, wait on hold, then call you when they have an agent on the line. You join the call and talk directly to the SSA rep. Saved me hours of frustration.

Your nephew absolutely should apply for SSDI. Here's why: 1. Epilepsy is specifically listed in SSA's Blue Book under Listing 11.02 2. MS is listed under 11.09 3. Having multiple severe conditions strengthens his case 4. Documented job losses related to his conditions are significant evidence 5. Having tried multiple treatments including surgery shows he's attempted to mitigate his conditions But he needs to be prepared: most claims are denied initially (about 65-70%). He should be ready to appeal. The denial rate drops dramatically at the hearing level with an Administrative Law Judge, especially if he has proper representation. Also important: if approved, there's a 24-month waiting period from his disability onset date before Medicare coverage begins. This is separate from the 5-month waiting period for cash benefits to start. As for approaching him, I'd focus on his family's needs rather than his personal feelings about disability. This isn't just about him anymore - his children need stability and support.

My dad refused to apply for disability for YEARS with MS because he "wasn't disabled" even though he literally couldn't work! Men and their pride, I swear. By the time he finally applied, he could have had years of benefits. Don't let your nephew make the same mistake!

Regarding your question about programs during the waiting period: depending on your nephew's financial situation, he might qualify for SSI during the SSDI waiting period, though that's needs-based with strict asset limits. He should also immediately check if his state has a temporary disability program (only CA, NJ, NY, RI, and HI have these). For healthcare, he should look into Medicaid eligibility, especially since he has children. The Affordable Care Act marketplace is another option if he doesn't qualify for Medicaid. One thing many people don't realize is that if his SSDI application is approved, his dependent children would likely qualify for auxiliary benefits (usually about 50% of his benefit amount each, subject to family maximum). This can significantly increase the total family income from SSDI.

disability isnt just for ppl in wheelchairs. its for anyone who cant work bc of medical issues. ur nephew sounds exactly like who ssdi is for. tell him to swallow his pride and take care of his family.

One more thing I forgot to say - make sure your nephew understands that getting approved for SSDI doesn't mean he can NEVER work again! There are work incentive programs like Ticket to Work that let you test your ability to work while keeping benefits. And the Trial Work Period lets you work 9 months (don't have to be consecutive) earning any amount without losing benefits. This was HUGE for me mentally - knowing I wasn't permanently labeled as "can't work" but rather had a safety net while I figured out what kind of work I COULD do with my limitations.

epilepsy is defintly on the list for SSDI my cousin has it and got approved in 4 months but his was really severe with like 3-4 seizures a week so maybe that made it faster idk

One important suggestion I should have mentioned earlier: your nephew should consider getting representation from the beginning of his application process, not just if he gets denied. A disability attorney or advocate who specializes in SSDI claims can make a huge difference in approval rates, especially with complex neurological conditions. Most work on contingency (they only get paid if he wins, typically 25% of backpay up to $7,500), so there's no upfront cost. They know exactly what medical evidence will be most persuasive, which doctors' statements help most, and how to properly document the functional limitations that will qualify him. The application process is intentionally difficult and the forms are designed to trip people up. Having someone guide him through can dramatically increase his chances of approval at the initial level, potentially saving years of appeals.

Thank you all so much for the incredible advice and personal experiences. I feel much better equipped to have this conversation with my nephew now. I'm going to emphasize that: 1. He's paid into this system - it's insurance, not welfare 2. His children could potentially receive benefits too 3. He can still try working while on the path to SSDI 4. Getting representation from the start is crucial I think approaching it from the angle of caring for his family rather than focusing on his limitations will help. And hearing from others who've been through similar situations with the same reluctance is incredibly valuable. Thank you all for your compassion and wisdom!