DISABILITY FOR MIGRAINE HEADACHES

Can a person get disability benefits because of migraine headaches?

 Yes, migraines may be severe enough to prevent an individual from sustaining full-time work.

 Full time work is defined by Social Security as 5 days per week, 8 hours per day or an equivalent schedule.  An individual must be able to maintain concentration, persistence and pace on that type of persistent schedule.

 So, may migraine headaches be disabling?  They may, but not necessarily.  The questions are: 

  • How frequent are the headaches?
  • How long do they last?
  • How severe are they?
  • What treatment have you tried?
Generally, Social Security does not pay for migraines unless they occur several times per month, last for several hours and are severe enough to disrupt normal activities.  Social Security also wants to see treatment that includes various medications, therapies and attempts to control the headaches.

 If the migraines are frequent, debilitating and retractable (resistant to treatment), a disability benefit may be approved.  Social Security will want to see a lengthy record of failed treatment, preferably by a specialist such as a neurologist.  They will also want proof of all the therapies attempted to control the migraines or lessen their symptoms.  

 Social Security also requires that a medical condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 straight months.  

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