This article is for general informational and wellness purposes only and is not legal advice.

Applying for disability benefits when you live with chronic migraine can feel overwhelming. The process is slow, emotionally draining, and sometimes confusing. Still, many people are approved—sometimes on the first attempt, sometimes after appeals—and their stories can help others understand what the journey looks like.

Below is an overview of how disability applications for migraine typically work, followed by a summary of experiences shared in a recent Reddit thread where a migraine sufferer celebrated finally being approved for SSDI.

reddit post on disability application for migraine

Understanding Disability Applications for Migraine

The SSA does not have a migraine-specific listing, so approvals often hinge on demonstrating that migraine has the same functional impact as other recognized impairments. Many people hire disability attorneys during the process, though some are approved without one.

Because migraine isn’t explicitly listed, your file needs to show that your condition is as severe as a listed condition or that you cannot work given your functional limitations.

Consequently, it would be wise to provide medical documentation of your migraine history, treatments, how the headaches limit your functioning (not just the pain).

Treatment attempts, frequency of attacks, duration of limitations, records of inability to work — these all matter more than just “I have migraines”.

Users Reveal Their Experiences with the SSDI Process

A user on r/migraine posted that they were recently approved for SSDI for chronic migraine. Here are the key details directly from their account:

✔️ Approval took a little over a year

OP described being “shocked” that they were approved without needing to hire a lawyer:

“…a little over a year but they actually approved me.. I’m crying and shocked because I was all too ready to get a lawyer..”

✔️ Their medical history showed severe chronic migraine

They reported experiencing:

“15–20 headache days every month, no relief from any medication, botox, injections like Emgality.”

This level of documentation—high frequency, multiple failed treatments—is exactly the type of evidence that can strengthen a migraine-related disability application.

✔️ Emotional relief was a major theme

After years of severe migraine and failed treatments, OP wrote:

“I’m so grateful I will finally get the help I need.”

Lawyers and help with paperwork

There’s a clear split in experiences:

Some say they couldn’t have done it without a lawyer, especially for forms and appeals.
Others (including OP) were approved without a lawyer but were fully prepared to get one if denied.
One person was helped by a mobile psych rehab worker who filled out forms and joined the phone interview.
A few older commenters say that decades ago it was easier to do alone, but now it’s much more bureaucratic, so they recommend at least consulting a disability attorney.

What This Experience Suggests for Other Applicants

While every case is unique, OP’s successful SSDI approval highlights several takeaways:

1. Detailed medical history matters

OP had years of documented chronic migraine, showing ongoing severe impairment.

2. Treatment attempts strengthen your case

The SSA looks for evidence that symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment. OP listed multiple medications, Botox, and CGRP injections.

3. You don’t always need a lawyer—but many people benefit from one

OP was prepared to hire a lawyer but ultimately didn’t need to. Many others do. If you face a denial, legal representation may improve your odds during appeal.

4. Approval can take a year or more

Even a “successful” case can take 12+ months from application to decision.

Final Thoughts

Applying for disability for migraine is a long and emotionally difficult process, but stories like the one shared on Reddit show that approval is possible, even without an attorney and even when you feel like giving up. Many people with chronic migraine face skepticism—not only from society, but sometimes from the disability system itself—but persistent documentation and medical evidence can make a major difference.

If you’re considering applying, take your time to gather medical records, track symptoms, and understand how migraine affects your daily functioning. And most importantly, know that you’re not alone.