Is POTS a Disability? How to Qualify for Benefits

Michael Burry
Jun 11, 2025

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.

Is POTS a Disability?

Yes, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) can potentially qualify as a disability if you meet the criteria listed under the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book Listing and satisfy the disability definition.

However, if your medical condition is limiting your capability, you will be protected from discrimination according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

How Does SSA define POTS?

POTS is not listed in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. It can still be used to obtain Social Security disability benefits on the grounds of a nervous system disorder. However, because POTS has a glide path of variability, the specifics of your condition and its symptoms will dictate how you navigate your claim for disability benefits.

Symptoms of POTS Syndrome

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
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
Depression
Cold or clammy skin
Blurred vision or visual disturbances

These symptoms can occur at any time but are often triggered by standing up, walking, or other physical activity.

Types of POTS

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 POTS
Secondary POTS
Neuropathic POTS
Hyperadrenergic POTS
Low-flow POTS
Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) POTS

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

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Applying

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.

Are you consulting a specialist for your POTS?
Do you have evidence of your diagnosis and symptoms of POTS?
Have I undergone any tests such as tilt tests, neuropsychological tests, or any other cardiovascular tests?
Are you experiencing disorganization of motor functions?
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.

Disability Insurance Benefits For POTS

Some applicants may choose disability insurance policies for POTS, such as:

Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance

In a short-term disability insurance policy, you will be permitted to receive 60% to 70% of your income. The policy will last for 6 months to 1 year. For this insurance policy, you need to prove that you are unable to do any work and then you receive payment after 1 to 2 weeks. If your disability has been lasting for more than 12 months, you may choose long-term disability aid.

In long-term disability aid, the candidate is paid 60% of their income and is given for many years until they reach retirement age. However, the payments may also be limited depending on various factors.

Criteria for getting disability with POTS

For you to be eligible for disability benefits, you will have to gather and submit medical documents that indicate that your condition severely restrains your ability to work or complete necessary activities of daily living, even with treatment for managing your POTS symptoms.

The following is a list of documents that you might have to submit to the SSA:

Medical records from a relevant specialist confirming your diagnosis and outlining your symptoms: Given the heterogeneity of possible POTS manifestations, how you navigate your interaction with the SSA will likely differ based on your particular scenario. As an example, if you primarily deal with cardiac-related issues, you might need to get medical records from a cardiologist.
Medical Evaluations for your POTS: Make sure to work with your physician to ensure your medical files are as complete as possible, and consider specific testing such as with a functional capacity evaluation (FCE), tilt table test, cardiovascular stress tests, or neuropsychological testing. This illustrates how your work may exacerbate your POTS symptoms: Before outlining the medical details, make sure to include specific examples of daily work to explain why those duties can provoke POTS symptoms.
Evidence of another disabling condition not listed but mainly associated with the Blue Book is accessible: The SSA POTS does not have a listing in the Blue Book. However, it is possible to obtain disability benefits for POTS alone. It strengthens the case when there is an accompanying condition or other illness that features in the Blue Book because POTS is often secondary to an autoimmune illness or other conditions that result in autonomic neuropathy.

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

If your POTS meets 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:

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

Type Of Disability Benefits

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

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
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.

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

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 a disability attorney can help you win benefits, as they know how to maximize your chances of successfully securing the disability payments you deserve.

Is POTS a Disability? How to Qualify for Disability Benefits