Can You Get Disability Benefits For Migraine Headaches?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t list migraines as a disability on their own. To get benefits, you need to prove that your migraines are as serious as another condition they recognize or that they make it hard for you to do basic work regularly. 

You have to show that you get migraines at least once a week or every other week for at least three months in a row. 

These migraines must affect things like your ability to focus, move around, understand things, interact with others, or take care of yourself. You’ll also need strong medical records and proof of any treatments you’ve tried to help your case.

Well, an experienced disability lawyer can do all your work.

Can I get disability benefits if I have migraines?

Migraines are very common and affect more than 10% of people around the world, especially those between the ages of 20 and 50. In the U.S., one out of four households has someone who suffers from migraines. 

Although migraines are not listed as a disability on their own by Social Security, you may still be able to get disability benefits if they seriously affect your life and ability to work.

What do migraines feel like?

People experience migraines differently, but common symptoms include:

• Pain on one side of the head

• Sensitivity to sound, light, or smell

• Dizziness, blurry vision, or flashing lights

• Nausea or vomiting

• Numbness or tingling in the face or hands

• Trouble speaking or thinking clearly

• Weakness, stiff neck, or ringing in the ears

• These symptoms can make it hard or impossible to work.

Some people get migraines less than 15 times a month (called episodic), while others get them more than 15 times a month for 3 or more months (called chronic). 

Over 4 million people in the U.S. deal with chronic migraines. Missing work often due to migraines can make it hard to keep a job.

There is no cure for migraines, but treatments like medications, avoiding triggers, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can help. If you’re applying for disability, Social Security wants to see that you’re following your doctor’s treatment plan.

Can I get Social Security Disability if I can’t work because of migraines?

Migraines can seriously affect your work, social life, and daily activities. Some people have to lie down in a dark, quiet room for hours or even days. Medications don’t always help and can cause side effects. 

Around 90% of people with migraines can’t work during an attack, and may still struggle for hours or days afterward. In fact, migraines cause 113 million missed workdays each year in the U.S.

Social Security has a list of conditions (called the “Blue Book”) that it considers to be disabilities. 

Migraines aren’t on that list. However, you can still qualify for benefits if you can show that your migraines are just as serious as one of the listed conditions, like brain injuries (Section 11.18) or epilepsy (Section 11.02).

Well, a disability benefit attorney can help collect the evidence can help you know about the conditions. 

How do I qualify for disability with migraines?

You must show that:

1. You have migraines at least once a week for 3 months or

2. You get them at least once every 2 weeks for 3 months, and they cause problems in at least one of these areas:

• Focusing on or finishing tasks

• Moving around (walking, standing, etc.)

• Understanding or remembering information

• Getting along with others

• Handling emotions or taking care of yourself

What proof do I need?

Social Security needs to see clear medical evidence, like:

• A doctor’s diagnosis of migraines

• Test results to rule out other causes

• MRI, CT scans, or EEGs

• Notes from doctors about how often and how bad your migraines are

• Records of ER visits or hospital stays

What treatments or medications you’ve tried, and how they worked

It also helps to keep a personal log of:

• How often and how long your migraines last

• What daily tasks you can’t do during an attack (like cooking, cleaning, or shopping)

• How many days of work you’ve missed

If migraines cause you to miss work regularly or stop working during the day, this shows that you might not be able to hold a full-time job. You must also show that your work ability has dropped by at least 15% because of your condition.