Is POTS a Disability? How to Qualify for Disability Benefits

• Author: Denis Clifford
• Jun 11, 2025

If you have POTS, you may qualify for benefits if your medical condition is impacting your work. POTS affects an estimated 1 to 3 million people in the United States, predominantly young women. It’s a condition that impacts the autonomic nervous system, leading to rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fatigue when standing.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that POTS can qualify as a disability if symptoms severely limit daily activities and work ability. We’ll go over what qualifies as POTS, when POTS can qualify you for disability, and what you should do if you think you qualify for benefits.

What is POTS ?

POTS stands for “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome”. It is a type of dysautonomia, which is a medical condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. People with POTS experience a rapid heart rate and other symptoms when they stand up or change positions from sitting or lying down.

Is POTS a disability?

Yes, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) may be recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If POTS significantly affects your ability to maintain employment, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, provided you meet the SSA’s additional eligibility requirements.

As POTS does not have a specific listing in the Blue Book of the SSA, two sections that may include this kind of disorder are Neurological – Section 11.00, and Digestive System – Section 5.00.

POTS Disability Symptoms

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can cause a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity from person to person. Some of the most common POTS disability symptoms include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing up or changing positions
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches or migraines
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Tremors or shaking
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Cold or clammy skin
• Blurred vision or visual disturbances

Types of POTS Explained

There are several different types of POTS that are classified based on their underlying cause or associated medical condition. Some of the most common types of POTS include:

• Primary
• Secondary
• Neuropathic
• Hyperadrenergic
• Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST)

Each type of POTS can have slightly different symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to identify the specific type of POTS and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Can you get disability benefits for POTS?

Whether POTS qualifies as a disability depends on the severity of the symptoms and the impact they have on the individual’s ability to carry out daily activities, including work, school, or other tasks. The severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life are key factors that may qualify you for disability.

It is easier to qualify if you are over the age of 50 or are applying with multiple illnesses, including autoimmune disorders or other ailments that cause autonomic neuropathy, such as

• Diabetes

• Lyme disease

• Sjogren’s syndrome

• Lupus

• Celiac disease

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying for POTS Disability Benefits

You must ask yourself questions before you move forward with your POTS disability application. You may qualify for the benefits if your answer to the following questions is yes.

1. Are you consulting a specialist for your POTS?
2. Do you have evidence of your diagnosis and symptoms of POTS?
3. Have I undergone any tests such as tilt tests, neuropsychological tests, or any other cardiovascular tests?
4. Are you experiencing disorganization of motor functions?
5. Are you struggling with other autoimmune disorders?

Before applying, it is also important to get an honest assessment of your chances of qualifying for disability.

What To Do If Your POTS Meets The Eligibility Criteria Of SSA?

If your POTS meet the SSA’s criteria, you must begin with your application procedure as soon as possible. This is because the Social Security Disability Benefits process is complex and may take time. You must follow the guidelines mentioned below such as:

1. You must apply now if you have been diagnosed with POTS and have medical documentation. Furthermore, your symptoms are worsening even with regular treatment.
2. You must consider waiting and applying later if your symptoms are improving with regular treatment and you can do work despite struggling with POTS.
3. You must not apply if you are working and earning above $1,550 per month

What To Do If Your POTS Does Not Meet The Eligibility Criteria Of SSA?

If you do not meet the criteria mentioned above, you can still apply for the benefits by keeping one thing in mind you have to be honest with your application form.

In many cases, the application form in the initial phase gets denied. You must not get discouraged and consider taking help from an attorney who has experience in handling POTS disease disability cases. Working with an experienced attorney can help you win benefits, as they know how to maximize your chances of successfully securing the disability payments you deserve.

Type Of Disability Benefits

There are two fundamental types of government programs that you can apply for:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
2. Supplemental Insurance Income (SSI)

The applicants will be provided health insurance such as Medicare for SSDI and Medicaid for SSI. SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is beneficial for people who haven’t worked at all and have low assets and income. SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, is beneficial for people who have worked and paid taxes for at least 10 full years or more.

How Much Is a Disability Check For POTS?

The average monthly Social Security disability check for disorders associated with POTS was $1,550.43. However, the maximum benefit amount for POTS is $3,822 per month for SSDI and $914 per month for SSI in the year 2024.

The maximum payments will not change whether your condition is severe or not. SSI payments are calculated to take into account other sources of income, while SSDI payments are calculated based on your work and income history.

Filing a POTS Disability Claim? Get Legal Help

It is important to note that the application process for POTS disability benefits can be complex, and it may be helpful to consult with an experienced Social Security disability attorney to help with the process. They will help you to appeal in case your initial application gets rejected and will help in seeking the benefits.

FAQS on POTS disability

What is POTS?

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is a condition that affects blood flow and causes a rapid heart rate when standing. It often leads to dizziness, fatigue, and fainting.

What are the main symptoms of POTS?

Common symptoms include lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, brain fog, extreme fatigue, nausea, and fainting. Symptoms usually worsen when standing.

What causes POTS?

The exact cause is unknown, but POTS may be linked to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, infections, or hormonal changes.

How is POTS diagnosed?

POTS is typically diagnosed using a tilt table test or by measuring heart rate changes from lying down to standing. A detailed medical history is also considered.

Is POTS a disability?

POTS may be considered a disability if symptoms significantly interfere with daily activities or the ability to work.

Can POTS be cured?

There is no cure for POTS, but many people manage symptoms through lifestyle changes, medications, and physical therapy.

Conditions That May Qualify for Disability Benefits