Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund

The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund (BSITF), administered by the State of Georgia, provides financial assistance to eligible individuals with traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. The program is designed to support Georgians with these injuries by offering grants for goods and services that promote independence, community integration, and quality of life. The BSITF serves as a payer of last resort, meaning applicants must have exhausted all other possible funding sources such as Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, or veterans' benefits before applying. Funding is subject to availability and may not cover past expenses or reimburse already purchased items or services. The program aims to help applicants avoid institutionalization and achieve self-sufficiency through funding for rehabilitative services, durable medical equipment, assistive technology, home and vehicle modifications, personal support, and alternative transportation. The maximum lifetime benefit for applications submitted after July 1, 2023, is $12,000. Modified vans for those with paralysis are eligible for grants up to $20,000. Specific funding limits apply to each category, and the Trust Fund cannot cover medical bills, insurance premiums, or medications. Only items or services directly related to the injury are eligible, and all requests must demonstrate sustainable, long-term benefit. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens and legal residents of Georgia with a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, as verified by a medical professional. Proof of Georgia residency, an affidavit of citizenship, documentation of injury, and a cost estimate for each item or service requested are required. The applicant must also show that other funding options have been explored and denied. Applications can be submitted online or by downloading and mailing a printed form. Notarized affidavits and supporting documents must accompany the application for it to be considered complete. The application process includes multiple stages. After initial submission, the application undergoes a completeness check by staff. Complete applications are reviewed by the Distribution Committee, which makes funding recommendations to the Commission. The Commission’s final recommendations are then submitted to the Governor’s Office for approval. Once approved, an award letter is sent to the applicant, who must then complete a Provider Selection Form. Chosen providers must become state-approved vendors, a process that can take 6 to 12 weeks or longer. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. The full review and approval process typically takes ten or more weeks. Payments are issued directly to vendors upon approval and invoicing. The Commission provides guidance and support throughout the process, but applicants are responsible for coordinating provider enrollment and submitting required documentation promptly. For assistance, applicants may contact the Commission at DPH-INFO-BSITF@dph.ga.gov or by fax at 404-651-6203. Mail-in applications should be sent to Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund, 200 Piedmont Ave SE, East Tower Suite 472, Atlanta, GA 30334. The program is not an entitlement, and awards are contingent upon legislative appropriations and fund availability.

Ensure all supporting documentation is submitted to avoid processing delays; secure provider early due to state vendor approval time.