Can You Apply for Disability If You Have Migraines?

Most people can get through a workday with a mild headache with determination and the help of a couple of over-the-counter pain relievers. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple for people who experience chronic migraines.

Chronic migraines can make it difficult and sometimes impossible to work. So if you have frequent and severe migraines, you may qualify for medical disability benefits. 

What are migraines?

Migraines are caused by a complex condition that happens because of changes in the brain. These changes can lead to symptoms such as: 

• Throbbing or pulsing headaches

• Nausea

• Vomiting 

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Vision changes

Although headache is the most common symptom, not every migraine comes with a headache. There are different kinds of migraines, and they can last for several hours or even days. 

Some people have chronic migraines, which means they experience migraines 15 or more days per month. 

Are migraines a disability according to the Social Security Administration?

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t list having migraines as a condition that qualifies for disability benefits. However, migraines can be symptomatic of other medical conditions that qualify as a disability according to the SSA. 

You may be eligible to receive disability benefits if you have migraines because of any of the following qualifying conditions: 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Epilepsy

• Fibromyalgia 

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Stroke  

Are migraines a disability under the American Disabilities Act?

Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA), having migraines may be considered a disability if it affects your ability to complete one or more major life activities, like working, communicating, or concentrating. The ADA prevents employers from discriminating against people with disabilities. The act defines an individual with a disability as:

• A person with a mental or physical impairment that keeps them from participating in major life activities.

• A person with a record or history of an impairment that limits major life activities.

• A person who is perceived by others as having an impairment that limits major life activities.

If your migraines qualify you as having a disability under the ADA, your employer is required to provide you with “reasonable accommodations” if they have a total of 15 or more employees. That means eliminating possible triggers like noise, fragrances, high-stress situations, and fluorescent lights. It may also mean allowing you to work from home or investing in a comfortable chair and desk for your workspace. Your employer may not have to provide you with accommodations if it would cause undue hardship for them.

Does Social Security Disability Insurance cover people with migraines?

You may be able to get financial assistance through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you can’t work due to migraines. But you must demonstrate that your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability, and that process can be challenging. 

To be eligible for SSDI: 

• You must show you can’t make enough money to support yourself because of your migraines. This is known as being unable to participate in substantial gainful activity (SGA). 

• You must prove how migraines limit you. This step may be complicated since having migraines is not listed as a qualifying disorder by the SSA. 

• You must also show that your migraines constitute a medically determinable impairment (MDI). An MDI is a medical condition that can affect your ability to work and has lasted or will likely last for at least 12 months or could be life-threatening.

To demonstrate that your migraines are severe enough to be considered an MDI, you can provide test results and medical records. However, it can be difficult for people with chronic migraines to prove they have an MDI because migraines are measured based on symptoms. 

You also must have worked recently and paid enough Social Security taxes to qualify for SSDI. If approved for SSDI, your benefits will start 6 months after your disability began. After 2 years of receiving SSDI benefits, you will become eligible for Medicare. 

Does workers’ compensation cover people with migraines?

In general, workers’ compensation covers work-related injuries and illnesses. That means workers’ compensation may cover situations involving migraines if they meet certain criteria. 

For example, if you suffer an injury on the job and experience chronic migraines as a result, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if your migraines are not directly related to a work injury — and are instead related to a preexisting condition or genetic predisposition — you will likely not qualify.

Keep in mind that the laws vary by state, so it’s best to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer if you have questions.  

Does short-term or long-term disability insurance cover people with migraines?

Short-term medical disability (STMD) insurance may provide you with financial assistance if migraines make it difficult or impossible for you to work. However, this depends on the insurance policy and the severity of the migraines. Some policies may exclude having migraines as a covered condition. So it’s a good idea to review a policy’s details and speak with the insurance provider for specific coverage information. 

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance generally kicks in after you’ve used up your STMD coverage. Like with STMD policies, whether LTD covers migraines depends on the specific policy, so it’s essential to check the coverage details. 

You can obtain STMD and LTD insurance through your employer or an insurance agent. But there are some key differences between the two types of disability insurance. 

Generally, short-term disability:

• Covers temporary illnesses or injuries that are not related to work

• Pays between 40% to 70% of your usual salary 

• Covers between 3 and 6 months of paid time away from work

• Usually has a waiting period from a few days to a few weeks before benefits begin

Typically, long-term disability: 

• Covers disabilities that are not related to work and prevent you from working for an extended time 

• Pays between 50% to 70% of your usual salary

• Offers a benefit eligibility period that lasts for years 

• Usually has a waiting period from several weeks to a few months before benefits begin   

Should I look into private disability insurance if I have migraines?

Private disability insurance can help protect your finances if you can’t work because of a covered illness, such as migraines. Unlike employer- or government-sponsored disability insurance, the premiums are privately paid directly by you, the policyholder. 

Before enrolling in private disability insurance, it’s important to review a policy’s terms and coverage thoroughly. Consider factors such as:

• Benefits

• Premiums

• Waiting periods

• Exclusions or limitations

• Preexisting conditions that may not be covered.

An insurance agent or financial advisor can help you determine if private disability insurance is the best option for you. 

Does the Family and Medical Leave Act apply to people with migraines?

Yes, people with migraines may have rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if they meet certain requirements. The FMLA is a law that ensures job-protected leave for people who need time off work for various reasons, including caring for a serious health condition.

To be eligible for protection under the FMLA, you must have worked for a covered employer for at least 12 months. If that’s the case, you are eligible to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period. During your leave, your employer must keep your job secure and continue providing you with health insurance. 

Remember, unlike with STMD or LTD insurance, the benefits provided by the FMLA don’t replace your income. However, you may be able to use paid time off you have accrued during your FMLA leave. 

How do you apply for disability?

To apply for disability benefits, you can start by visiting the SSA’s website. There, you can find a checklist of all the documents you’ll need to provide to complete the application for disability benefits. Be sure to pay close attention to the guidelines for submitting copies of documents versus the originals. For example, the SSA accepts copies of tax returns and medical forms, but it requires you to submit your original birth certificate. 

Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, you can begin the application process online. As part of the process, you may be contacted by an SSA representative for an interview. Be prepared for a potentially long waiting period, as it can take several months to receive a decision on your application. 

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Written by:

Maggie Aime, MSN, RN

Maggie's writing brings health topics to life for readers at any stage of life. With over 25 years in healthcare and a passion for education, she creates content that informs, inspires, and empowers.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

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