Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about disability and welfare benefits, including proposed changes to some of these benefits. This can feel overwhelming and concerning for some people with migraine. We know there are people with migraine who rely on benefits and who are understandably very worried about how this will affect them.

Migraine and benefits

For some people, migraine is considered a disability. You can find out more about when migraine might be considered a disability on our migraine, disability and legal rights page.

Some people with migraine may also be eligible to claim welfare benefits, depending on their individual circumstances. This depends on a number of factors, including how much impact migraine has on you, and your ability to carry out day to day activities. There are several different types of benefits that someone with migraine might be eligible to claim, including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You can find out more about these benefits on our financial support and benefits for migraine information page.

What changes to benefits are the Government proposing?

In March 2025, the UK Government announced planned changes to several benefits, including Universal Credit and PIP. The changes may make it harder to get these benefits, and fewer people will be eligible. The amount of support people will receive may also be lower. At this stage, the changes that were announced are not final decisions, they are simply proposals. Some of the proposed changes will be consulted on, while others will have to be changed through lengthy legislative processes. Any changes that happen are unlikely to be brought in until at least 2026.

Thomas’ experience of claiming benefits for migraine

Here, Thomas explains the stress of his fight to retain disability benefits for migraine and why better understanding of the impact of migraine is needed.

How can I share my views on these proposed changes?

The proposed changes are set out in the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, and are open for consultation. You can respond to the consultation online, via email or via post until 30 June 2025. There are also a number of consultation events happening both in-person and online throughout June 2025.

The Migraine Trust, along with over 120 other disability and health charities, have signed Scope’s open letter to the Chancellor, calling for the government to rethink the cuts and consider the impact on those with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

You can also add your voice to Scope’s Cost of Cuts petition, which aims to highlight to Government the potential negative impacts on people with disabilities and health conditions, should these proposed changes go ahead.

Information and support on benefits for migraine

Although we are unable to give advice on individual cases, including what you may be entitled to, our support services can help with general information and support about benefits for migraine. You can contact our helpline on 0808 802 0066 10am–4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). You can also get in touch with us online.