Migraine headaches are a common health issue that affects millions of Americans each year. And while most people can manage the pain associated with their migraines, others may find that the migraines and associated health conditions make it impossible to maintain regular employment. While it can be difficult to prove that your migraines are this severe, if you have a well-documented history of struggling with them, you may be able to apply for social security disability benefits.
Migraine Headaches: How Can I Receive Disability Payments?
Research shows that nearly 18 percent of women and 6 percent of men in the US suffer from migraines. And of those diagnosed with the condition, 90 percent are unable to work during a migraine. In fact, some people struggle to return to work for hours or even days after, particularly severe migraines. If you are in a similar situation, you may qualify for social security disability payments.
Whether or not you qualify for disability benefits depends solely on the frequency, severity and duration of your migraine headaches. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have a standard disability listing for migraines in the “Blue Book,” that doesn’t mean that you can’t get approved for benefits. However, you must be able to prove that you are unable to earn a gainful living as a result of your migraine disability and that you cannot maintain a full-time job as a result.
Determining Eligibility for Migraine Disability
Before you are awarded benefits, the SSA will consider several different factors, including:
- Your daily limitations
- Your employment options
- The frequency and severity of your migraines
- Review medical evidence
Typically the frequency and severity of your migraines, as well as the extent of your symptoms will help to show the SSA why you must miss work so often. But it is important to keep in mind that to prove you are eligible disability benefits, you must show that you are unable to maintain even office or other sedentary work.