Social Security Disability Benefits for Migraines

Written for Migraine Talk with thanks by Ram Meyyappan

Social Security Disability Help

Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine can understand that the severe symptoms associated with this medical problem can completely debilitate a person, making it impossible to complete normal every day activities, and continue working. If you suffer from chronic migraines, or a medical condition or treatment that causes migraines, you may be able to qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Migraines

In order to be eligible for disability benefits, you need to meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Your medical condition must:

* Must be expected to last at least a year or result in death, AND

* Prevent you from doing the work or you did before and from any other work for which you are qualified.

The SSA does not provide a listing for migraines in their listing of conditions that qualify for disability, called the Blue Book. However, it is possible to qualify for benefits by providing the SSA with evidence that the migraines are causing symptoms that greatly restrict your ability to function. The SSA will be interested in knowing how your migraines affect your ability to perform common workplace tasks such as following directions, socializing with others, carrying items, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.

Some individuals regularly experience migraines that are so severe that they have a significantly increased vulnerability to lights and sounds, blurred vision, or they become frequently nauseous. If you can provide medical evidence that these symptoms, or other debilitating symptoms, happen recurrently and for substantial amounts of time, it may be possible to receive approval for benefits.

When determining your eligibility, the SSA will also take into consideration factors such as your work history, level of education, and your age. These types of information allow them to determine if it would be possible for you to return to a previous job or a similar field, or if it would be possible for you to train for a different field.

The Different Disability Programs Available

There are two different disability programs available: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

* For SSDI, you must have the work credits from your previous employment that are required for a person of your age, and if you are still able to work, you must have monthly earnings of $1,040 per month or less (as of 2013).

* For SSI, which is a need-based program, you must have very limited income and other financial resources with which to support yourself.

You can learn more about the differences between SSDI and SSI here: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/245/~/difference-between-social-security-disability-and-ssi-disability

Submitting a Disability Application

You can submit an application for SSI or SSDI either online or at your local SSA Office. To find a list of offices in every state, please visit: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/social-security-disability-locations

Before submitting an application for either program, it is essential to gather all of the necessary medical and financial documentation that you will need in order to prove that you are eligible.

Along with financial records that verify your work history and income, you will need medical documents that detail any physician’s visits, hospitalizations, and treatments that you have undertaken in relation to your migraines. Being approved for disability can be a very challenging process, and the strong your evidence is, the higher your chances will be for receiving approval.

For more information on applying for disability with migraines, please visit: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/chronic-migraines