AgrAbility

Brain and Spinal Cord Trust Fund

If you or a loved one have acquired a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, there is a valuable resource in the State of Georgia to aid you.
The Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Commission distributes funds to support independence, inclusion in the community, personal choice,
and self-determination.

In November 1998, Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved (73%) a
constitutional amendment to create a Trust Fund for brain and spinal
injuries, paid for by a surcharge on drunk driving fines. This landmark legislation won by a margin of greater than 2-to-1. More than half of the people who serve on the Commission must have a brain or spinal cord injury. Current funding levels are as follows:

  • Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 a year.
  • In the event a home modification is needed, an individual can apply for up to $15,000. If you are awarded the full $15,000, you will not be eligible to apply for any goods or services form the Commission for two subsequent years.
  • If you need an accessible vehicle with modifications or conversion packages, you can apply for up $15,000 per year. This does not apply to vehicles that do not require modifications. If someone is awarded the full $15,000, they will not be eligible to apply for any goods or services form the Commission for two subsequent years.
    You may apply for up to $15,000 using a combination of home modifications and an accessible vehicle, with the same parameters regarding future awards.
  • If an individual needs personal support services (including attendant care, daily living support, vocational and educational support), they can apply for up to $10,000 per year.

The Trust Fund should always be a payor of last resort. The Commission intends that the Trust Fund be used to provide funding that is not otherwise available in order to meet the comprehensive needs of people with brain and spinal cord injuries. The Trust Fund should not be used to displace other sources of funding.

http://www.ciclt.net/bsitf

Or call 1-888-233-5760

 

 

 

 


  What is a traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of such an injury may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. A TBI can result in short or long-term problems with independent function.