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HelpHOPELive

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The long-term costs associated with living with a spinal cord injury can be substantial, and each family's situation is unique. Many individuals are primarily concerned with protecting current assets and managing daily living expenses.

Explore the resources below to develop a financial plan that supports ongoing needs for health and well being. These can range from learning how to qualify and apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Learn how to continue employment and acquire added income without sacrificing medical benefits.

Other entitlement programs for individuals with disabilities, such as programs through departments of aging and disability or state waivers for spinal cord injury can help pay bills or subsidize costs for medical equipment and supplies, personal care attendants, home modifications, adaptive vans, adaptive recreation equipment, emergency response systems, and other environmental adaptations. For veterans, there are additional sources to support ongoing care as well as to continue educational pursuits.

Private foundations are another source of financial support for persons living with spinal cord injury. Special needs grants are available which support costs for assistive technology, adaptive recreational equipment and other non-medical needs. Other local, state and federal programs that support quality of life and daily living for persons with disabilities are available.

Parents of children and adults with spinal cord injury may also find it helpful to learn about Special Needs Trusts to ensure that financial needs will continue to be safeguarded throughout one’s lifetime. Privately funded non-profit charity programs for veterans, such as Salute, Inc. or the Wounded Warrior Program provided added sources of financial support for housing, employment, education, and mental health.

HelpHOPELive

HelpHOPELive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps patients and families facing transplantation or catastrophic injury develop personal fundraising campaigns to support their ability to pay for uninsured medically related expenses. They provide the consultation needed to learn how to raise funds to bridge the gap between what health insurance will pay and what is actually needed to heal, live and thrive. Click on How it Works to find out about how to start a catastrophic injury campaign for fundraising.

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