When you can no longer work enough to support yourself due to a head or brain injury, something that you should consider is seeking Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. To seek these benefits, you will need to show that you cannot do the kind of work you did before you suffered the head injury. You will also need to show that your head injury stops you from learning to do other kinds of work and that the effects of your head injury are expected to last for at least 12 months or to result in death.
SSDI is the main disability benefit program in America. This will allow you to seek benefits that will support you as you adjust to living with a disability.
What support does SSDI offer?
Social Security Disability benefits are a kind of insurance for those who have an adequate employment history. If you have paid into Social Security and have enough credits through your work history, then you may qualify for this coverage.
It is not always easy to qualify for Social Security Disability, but if you do qualify and get approved, you’ll receive regular benefits payments that may help you cover your financial needs as you adjust to living with a disability.
Is it difficult to apply for Social Security Disability?
It is sometimes hard to get Social Security Disability benefits, and you do need to be sure that your application is thorough. While it may not seem like a difficult application, the reality is that many people have their initial applications denied. You will need to provide significant evidence of your disability, such as:
- Medical documents
- Letters from medical providers
- Statements from friends and relatives
- Test results
- A record of employment
Initially, it is possible that your application could be denied. If that happens, you have a right to an appeal, which you can use to provide the Social Security Administration with further evidence of your injuries or illness.
The initial application may take several months to process. Around two-thirds of claims are denied and then must be appealed within the next 60 days. This is something to keep in mind as you look for support making your claim.