CT PAID LEAVE PROVIDES VITAL INCOME REPLACEMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO SUSTAIN A BRAIN INJURY
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month — Program also helps caregivers
Hartford CT — The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority (CTPL) today reminded Connecticut workers and caregivers that vital income replacement is available for those who’ve suffered a brain injury resulting in a serious health condition. Acquired brain injuries, such as those caused by stroke, substance abuse, infections, tumors and seizures, for example, can cause temporary or permanent functional changes. Changes can include physical functions, cognition and psychosocial behaviors. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are typically defined as a blow or jolt to the head or body or a penetrating head injury that disrupts brain function. The severity of a TBI may range from ‘mild’ — a brief change of mental status or consciousness, to ‘severe’ — an extended period of unconsciousness or memory loss after injury.
“Whether caused by accident, assault or stroke, traumatic brain injuries are life changing,” said CT Paid Leave CEO Erin Choquette. “Paid leave is an essential support not only for those who’ve sustained a TBI but also those who take care of them by relieving them of the worry of how they’ll pay the bills.”
This year alone, 2.87 million Americans will sustain an acquired brain injury. Individuals who have sustained a brain injury are often misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and under-funded. The prognosis for TBI patients depends on many variables including but not limited to the type of injury, its severity and location, the age of the individual and access to supports and services.
“Every 21 seconds in the United States, someone sustains a Traumatic Brain Injury,” said Julie Peters, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Alliance of CT. “Brain injury is not confined to any one age, ethnicity, gender or geographical location and brain injuries can occur anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. CT Paid Leave makes it possible for people who’ve sustained a TBI, and their caregivers, to apply for income replacement for lost wages due to their serious health condition. It’s a lifeline in their time of need.”
To apply for CT Paid Leave benefits online, workers will first need to create an account with CT.gov. This will provide the applicant with a single identity and will take approximately 10 minutes. The applicant can then submit their claim online. Claims may also be filed by phone by calling (877) 499–8606. Hours of operation for a live representative are 8 AM to 8 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
To learn more about the Brian Injury Alliance of CT and how CT Paid Leave can assist individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their families, listen to the The Paid Leave Podcast: The Difficulty Diagnosing and Treating a Brain Injury (youtube.com)
For more information about CT Paid Leave and how to apply, please visit www.ctpaidleave.org.
