A medical, legal, and
informational resource
for persons dealing with
traumatic brain injury.

DISABILITY AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Severe to moderate brain injuries are a leading cause of disability, both from work and in general. Things that need to be pointed out in this regard are as follows:

1. If a relative or loved one is hospitalized for a serious brain injury, there will always be a human resource or other community relation person, assigned in the hospital itself, to begin the family's application for disability. Find that person and have them help you submit an initial claim for social security disability (SSI or SSD). This process can be done online (http://www.socialsecurity.gov) and it is imperative to get the ball rolling on this sometimes slow and inefficient application process.


2. Many times, even if moderate or severe brain injury has occurred, the initial application will be denied. Be aware that there is usually a 60-day window in which to obtain an attorney and re-file an appeal for benefits. Do not miss this window.


3. Workman's compensation benefits should flow automatically if it was a serious injury at the work place. If benefits are not forthcoming for treatment and lost wages while a patient is incapacitated with a work related brain injury, an attorney should be obtained at once.


4. Statistically, moderate and severe brain injuries have the greatest chance of obtaining social security benefits on the first attempt.


5. The benefits flowing to a person with a serious brain injury from social security, workman's compensation, disability policies, and health policies need to be addressed and clearly established by an attorney. Guidance is needed for proper acceptance, denial and prioritization of incoming disability streams.