Eligibility for Disability Benefits with Migraines

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, whether for migraines or another condition, you must meet certain medical and work-related criteria:

• Work History: To be eligible for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years (usually 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years). If you haven't worked enough, you may qualify for SSI, which is based on financial need rather than work history.
• Severe Disability: Your migraines must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death. Chronic migraines that prevent you from performing daily activities or holding a job may qualify, but you will need to provide strong medical evidence to support your claim.

How the SSA Evaluates Migraines for Disability

The SSA evaluates disability claims based on a five-step process. For migraine sufferers, it’s important to demonstrate how your condition limits your ability to perform basic work activities. Here's a breakdown of the SSA’s evaluation process:

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The first step is to determine whether you are engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, if you are earning more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 per month if you are blind), you will not qualify for SSDI. If your migraines prevent you from working at this level, you can move to the next step.

Severity of Condition

Your condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work functions like sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and concentrating. To qualify, your migraines must cause significant functional limitations, such as:

• Frequent and severe pain that interferes with your ability to concentrate.
• Inability to work due to the need to lie down in a dark, quiet place during migraine attacks.
• Loss of vision, nausea, or vomiting during migraines.
• Inability to perform your job duties due to the severity or frequency of migraines.

You will need to provide detailed medical evidence showing how your migraines impact your daily life and work capabilities.

Listed Impairment or Functional Limitations

Migraines are not specifically listed in the SSA’s "Listing of Impairments," but they can still qualify if they are equivalent to another listed condition, such as neurological impairments. The SSA looks for evidence of chronic conditions that cause similar limitations in functioning. For example, the SSA may compare your migraines to other conditions like epilepsy or other neurological disorders.

If your migraines don’t meet the listed criteria, you may still be able to qualify if your condition prevents you from working by showing severe limitations in areas such as:

• Concentration and attention: If your migraines make it difficult to stay focused on tasks or interact with others.
• Physical abilities: If you are unable to sit, stand, or perform physical activities due to pain or other symptoms.
• Adaptability: If migraines interfere with your ability to adapt to workplace changes, like noise or lighting.

Your Ability to Do Past Work

The SSA will assess whether you can still perform the duties of your previous job despite your migraines. If your migraines prevent you from doing your past job, the SSA will move on to the next step.

Ability to Do Other Work

If you are unable to do your past work, the SSA will evaluate whether you can perform any other type of work. This includes considering your skills, education, and experience. If your migraines are severe enough to prevent you from performing any other type of work, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits.

Medical Evidence Needed for Migraines

The most important part of your disability claim for migraines is the medical evidence you provide. The SSA requires substantial proof that your migraines are severe enough to prevent you from working. Here's what you need to provide:

• Doctor’s Notes: Detailed reports from your treating physician(s) that outline your diagnosis, treatment plan, and how your migraines impact your ability to work.
• Headache Diaries: Keeping a record of your migraine attacks, including their frequency, duration, and severity, can help demonstrate the impact on your daily life. Your doctor can assist you with tracking this information.
• Medical Imaging or Tests: Any MRI, CT scans, or other tests that can rule out other causes for your migraines and support the diagnosis may be helpful.
• Functional Limitations: You may need to provide a functional capacity evaluation from your doctor that outlines how your migraines affect your ability to perform work tasks.

How to Apply for SSDI with Migraines

You can apply for SSDI benefits in the following ways:

• Online: The fastest way to apply is through the SSA’s online portal at www.ssa.gov. The website guides you through each step and allows you to submit supporting documents electronically.
• By Phone: You can also apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to initiate the process.
• In-Person: If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can visit your local SSA office to apply in person.

Be Prepared for Possible Denials

It is not uncommon for SSDI claims based on migraines to be denied initially. The SSA’s decision may be influenced by a lack of detailed medical evidence or insufficient proof of the severity of your migraines. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

• Request Reconsideration: If denied, you can request the SSA to review your case again.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), where you can present your case in person.
• Submit Additional Evidence: During the appeals process, gather any new medical evidence, such as recent doctor’s notes or updated test results, to strengthen your claim.