The pain is intense, whether it is throbbing, stabbing or pounding, and you know that the constant and what seems like never-ending head pain may take a while to dissipate. For you, this is a continuous cycle of prescription medication, over-the-counter drugs and multiple trips to your doctor of the emergency room.
Migraines affect your work so much that you are afraid your boss will fire you. What are your options if the migraines continue to keep you from retaining stable employment? Have you ever thought of applying for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration?
Medical qualifications
Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder with several symptoms, including headache. If your headache specialist or neurologist diagnosed you with chronic migraines, you might qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance.
However, the SSA does not have a listing for migraines in its Blue Book. Instead, the SSA may decide your eligibility by:
- Looking at your daily routines
- Reviewing your medical information
- Considering if your disorder keeps you from performing jobs you qualify for
Your evidence
To prepare yourself for applying for Social Security Disability, you may need the following information:
- Exams, treatments and procedures
- Dates of medical tests
- Names of medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, the reason for the drug and who prescribed them
Be aware that the SSA may not approve your application, but you can appeal the decision. Make your doctors aware that you are applying and ask for their help. Although the SSA does not have guidelines for migraines, you may still qualify if you can prove they significantly impact your life.
