Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Individual consumers may apply for a grant. Anyone interested in receiving a grant must fill out an application and submit it and other required documents to the Commission. Be aware that 75% of eligible applicants that complete the application process receive a grant from the Commission.

You may have someone complete the application on your behalf. It may be a family member, a friend, or a guardian.

No. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

No. A grant from the Trust Fund is not a permanent source of funding for an individual. An eligible application is not a guarantee of receiving funds.

If your application is complete, we anticipate that this process will take ten or more weeks from the date of receipt of your application. If your application is incomplete, it may be necessary to contact you to gather additional information, which may delay this process.

The final step of the process is for the Commission to send their recommendations for funding to the Governor's office for final approval. This is required by our legislation.

Once you have been approved for a disbursement, you will receive an award letter with a provider selection form that you must fill out and send back to us. This form indicates the provider you have chosen. You may either mail or fax this form to:

2 Peachtree St. NW, Ste. 26-416 Atlanta, GA 30303

404-651-6203 (Fax)

The provider you have chosen will then receive an authorization to provide the good or service. The provider must submit an invoice to us for the good or service rendered. Upon receipt, it will take approximately 2 to 3 weeks to issue a check for the funds.

The length of the process will depend on how quickly the paperwork is returned to us, and how quickly you and the provider you've chosen are able to coordinate. The Commission staff is happy to assist you with this process.

The amount available depends on appropriations from the Trust Fund made by the Georgia General Assembly.

Goods and services applied for in an application may come from different categories and combined cannot exceed the maximum cap of $10,000 (except modified vans). There will be no distribution of funds of more than the lifetime maximum of $10,000 per qualified applicant. Modified van grants are up to $15,000 for those with paralysis. This lifetime maximum is retroactive and applies to all recipients of previous distributions. Applicants are able to request the following amounts for the following categories:

• Medical, Rehabilitative, Therapeutic services - up to $10,000 per qualified applicant, per fiscal year
• Durable Medical Equipment- up to $10,000 per fiscal year
• Assistive Technology- up to $5,000 per fiscal year
• Home Modifications - up to $10,000 per fiscal year - This program is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). DCA's home modification program rules and regulations including income eligibility apply to all Trust Fund referred applicants.
• Modified Van - up to $15,000 (a single purchase)
• Non-modified vehicle - up to $10,000 (a single purchase)
• Alternative Transportation - up to $5,000 in a twelve-month period
• Personal Support Services - up to $10,000 in a twelve-month period
• Recreation requests - up to $2,500 in a twelve-month period
• Computers - up to $750 per fiscal year
• Dental - up to $1,000 per fiscal year
• All other requests - up to $5,000 per fiscal year

Unless otherwise approved by Commission staff, the check will be made out to the provider. Should you receive the funding directly, you will need to determine the legal effects of receipt of a disbursement from the Trust Fund on other benefits. The Trust Fund can not pay for any type of sales tax or fees. Sales tax payment is the responsibility of the applicant.

No. The Trust Fund cannot pay for goods and services that have already been rendered or delivered at the time of the application. Do not purchase an item before a BSITFC award letter has been received.

Yes. You will need to complete a new application with information related to your new request.

You can choose your own provider. The Commission may seek basic information about the provider's ability to deliver the good or service.

The legislation that created the Trust Fund Commission does not allow the Commission to act as an insurer, and specifies that our funding is to be used for the "care and rehabilitation" of persons who have sustained a traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injury.

Consistent with the definitions of "care and rehabilitation" used by other agencies and credible organizations that serve persons with a disability, the Trust Fund Commission awards are used to help individuals prevent institutionalization, achieve maximum self-sufficiency, and remain in the community. This may include, but is not limited to, therapeutic services (e.g. speech therapy, physical therapy), durable medical equipment, alterations to one's home or vehicle for wheelchair accessibility, attendant care, mobility devices (e.g. Hoyer lifts), and counseling/therapy.

Applicants must include a minimum of one quote for each item or service requested. Your application will not be considered complete without the quotes from vendors.

In order to apply for a grant from the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission
(BSITFC), Georgia law requires every applicant to complete an affidavit (sworn written
statement) before a Notary Public that establishes that the applicant is a citizen of the
United States of America. Your application may be withdrawn or an award may be
revoked if it is determined that you have provided false information. Please click here to find a Notary Public near you.