Finances

Traumatic brain injury can be as catastrophic financially as it is physically and emotionally. The person with traumatic brain injury may no longer be able to work, or a family member may need to leave her job to become a fulltime caregiver.

Although navigating the financial system can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming, your future can depend on mastering the fine points of personal finance, health insurance, government benefits, and the law. Unfortunately, you or your family members need to start thinking about finances as soon as possible after the injury.

One Less Thing to Worry About: Use Your Bank's Online Bill Payment Service
By: BrainLine | Personal Stories,6419 | May 21, 2012
Being back from deployment, especially with a TBI, can be overwhleming and paying bills sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of treatment, recovery, school, work, and family. Adam recommends using automatic bill paying.

Glossary of Health Coverage and Medical Terms
By: The United States Office of Management and Budget | March 24, 2012
Navigating the world of health insurance can be difficult, especially after a brain injury. These basic terms can help you get started.

Voices of Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans, Part 4
By: The Defense Health Board, The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, and The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine | Personal Stories | December 10, 2011
Getting the right services at the right time is crucial for your loved one's recovery. Start with a case manager.

Five Things to Consider When Setting Up a Special Needs Trust
By: Joanne Marcus, MSW | June 1, 2010
Don't delay setting up a special needs trust for your loved one with TBI.

What to Know About Trusts and Structured Settlements After Brain Injury
By: Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | Ask the Expert | February 1, 2010
Make sure the funds you’ve saved for your child with TBI last his lifetime.

Paying the Bills: Health Insurance, Disability Pay, and Attorneys
By: Garry Prowe | January 1, 2010
Financial and legal issues after a TBI can feel like walking through a maze. Learn how to find your way.

Financial Planning for Special Needs Care: Special Needs Trusts (SNTs)
By: CORE Health Care | September 29, 2009
Creating a long-term care plan for a loved one with special needs is crucial.

What Is It We Are Really Fearing?
By: Kara Swanson | August 17, 2009
Making peace — sort of — with being broke after TBI.

Can You Make and Keep Relationships If You Don’t Have Much Money?
By: Jeffrey Kreutzer, Laura Taylor, and Lee Livingston | June 19, 2009
More than 30 ideas to help you make friends after a brain injury.

The Olmstead Decision of 1999
By: Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | Ask the Expert | June 1, 2009
What you should know about the right to services in integrated community settings.

Medical Debt After TBI
By: BrainLine | Research Update | April 30, 2009
Why are people with brain injury at greater risk for bankruptcy?

Planning Your Estate
By: Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | Ask the Expert | April 1, 2009
Advice on how to provide long-term financial care for a loved one with a brain injury after you are gone.

Figuring Out Social Security Benefits After a TBI
By: Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | Ask the Expert | March 1, 2009
Detailed advice to help you navigate the maze.

Coping with Mild TBI: Finances
By: Diane Roberts Stoler, EdD, and Barbara Albers Hill | January 30, 2009
Learn how best to tackle financial problems that can arise after a TBI.

How Do I Know If I Need an Attorney?
By: Matthew A. Passen | January 1, 2009
Consider legal guidance you may need.

Addressing Concerns Related to Losing Social Security and Health Care Benefits
By: Virginia Commonwealth University | January 1, 2008
It's crucial to get accurate information and guidance on the potential impact of earnings on benefits after TBI.