Working with epilepsy

If your epilepsy is well controlled, it may not have any effect on your work. Speak to your employer if your condition makes it difficult to do your job. They're required to make reasonable adjustments to your work tasks to allow you to keep working.

This may include things like:

• changing your work hours
• making sure you don't have to drive as part of your job
• giving written rather than spoken instructions
• letting you have extra breaks and time off for medical appointments

If you have to stop working

If you have to stop work or work part-time because of your epilepsy, you may be entitled to one or more of the following types of financial support:

• If you have a job but can't work because of your epilepsy, you're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
• If you don't have a job and can't work because of your epilepsy, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
• If you're aged 64 or under and need help with personal care or have walking difficulties, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment.
• If you're aged 65 or over, you may be able to get Attendance Allowance.
• If you're caring for someone with epilepsy, you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.

Free prescriptions

If you take AEDs, you're entitled to get all your prescriptions (not just those for AEDs) free of charge. Ask your doctor how to get an exemption certificate.