Can You Get SSI If You Have Headaches & High Blood Pressure?

The Social Security Administration handles applications and claims for several programs. Among them are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which may be available to people with various physical and mental conditions. Determining whether headaches and high blood pressure qualify depends on the reason for the problems and their severity.

History

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) did not exist when the original Social Security Act went into effect. That program applied only to putting away money to be paid out once people reached a certain age. In the 1950s, Congress passed an amendment to allow disabled workers ages 50 to 65 to qualify. Over time, disability benefits expanded to include workers of all ages as well as their dependents. The scope of conditions covered varies with time as the Social Security Administration's policies change.

Causes

• Several common causes exist for headaches and high blood pressure. Whether or not an individual qualifies for SSI or SSDI because of these conditions depends entirely on the reason for the condition and how serious it is. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is any reading higher than 160/95. Headaches often accompany high blood pressure because of the increased blood flow to the brain. People with mild or moderate hypertension typically can function with the illness. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, early and mild hypertension has little to no effect on one's quality of life. Other causes of headaches combined with high blood pressure can be serious, however. The Social Security Administration offers detailed information on people suffering from autoimmune disorders. For these people, side effects from medication can cause headaches and high blood pressure, and for these people the side effects often render one disabled.

Application

• The process of applying for disability insurance under both SSI and SSDI is the same. The Social Security Administration has a medical questionnaire to complete that asks for medical history, medical records and other information. This information will assist the benefits representative who reviews the account in determining the extent of the condition and whether it interferes with job performance.

Functional Restriction

• Representatives for Social Security use a couple of factors to determine whether or not a specific condition applies. In the case of high blood pressure and headaches, the first question would be whether these conditions combined make the applicant unable to work. Whether that is true will depend on the severity of the hypertension as well as the frequency and severity of headaches. The representative also will consider whether the condition is likely to last at least one year or cause the applicant's death. High blood pressure and headaches alone may not be sufficient without a diagnosed condition to allow the representative to make a decision.

Warnings

• The process sometimes is lengthy for getting disability services. The Social Security Administration says to expect a three- to five-month wait for a response. Appealed cases will take longer. Applicants can speed the process by including complete information and getting medical records as quickly as possible. Do not feel assured of your claim. The SSA warns that disability payments through employer programs, a doctor's assessment that one is disabled or other factors do not influence the SSA's decision. Other institutions might consider someone disabled, but this is no guarantee of payments.