Social Security Disability benefits may be available for those who qualify based on their past work history and who cannot work as a result of serious injuries or disabilities. As someone who struggles with chronic headaches, you may be able to obtain benefits if you can show that these headaches make it hard or impossible for you to work and that the condition is expected to persist for at least 12 months.
Social Security Disability may be extended to people who have migraines, for example, even though migraines are not specifically listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. Migraines may fall under other health conditions that qualify or qualify on their own under a medical-vocational allowance — particularly if your migraines are intractable.
Primary headache disorders are not in the Listing of Impairments
You won’t find migraines or other headache disorders in the Listing of Impairments, but a primary headache disorder, either alone or with another impairment, may help a person qualify for SSDI benefits. Social Security will take all of your conditions into account when deciding whether or not you meet the standard for disability benefits.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits with headaches requires you to show that your headaches or migraines are severe enough to prevent you from doing a job. You must also show that you cannot do other kinds of work due to your skills, age or education.
Having a medical history showing detailed headache symptoms or migraine attacks is also essential when applying for benefits. Good records may help you get your application approved more easily, so physical exams, imaging tests and other information should be gathered to make your disability application as thorough as possible.