Missourians are aware that brain injuries can seriously affect a person’s everyday life. The person may suffer from memory loss, headaches and physical disabilities, including, but not limited to, the ability to sit, stand, bend or communicate. Since the brain is the most complicated organ in the human anatomy, the effects of the injury are very complex and can differ in every person.
To recover from a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, a person often needs medical care. State and local government programs, federal programs, religious organizations, not-for-profit organizations and foundations and local fundraising events may try to help the person suffering from traumatic brain injuries by providing financial assistance. However, not every person is eligible for compensation.
Social Security Disability Income and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two such federal programs that may come to the rescue of a person suffering from a TBI. While Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays compensation to the injured or his or her dependents, when the injured had worked and paid for the social security before the injury, SSI helps people with little or no income and helps the person by providing money to buy food, clothing and housing.
To claim SSDI benefits, the person can complete an online application or get an appointment to apply for the benefits by making a phone call to the Social Security Administration. Sometimes, the person’s claim for Social Security Disability benefits may be denied for various reasons such as incorrectly filing the claim. Hence, it is advisable to be well informed on the procedure before the scheduled appointment; it may help the person complete the formalities in one visit.
Source: Brain Injury Association of America, “Is there financial assistance for people with brain injury and their families?,” accessed on Aug. 8, 2014
