Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits in Oklahoma

To qualify for federal disability benefits with traumatic brain injury (TBI), you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For SSDI, you need a qualifying disability and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [8]. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources (in 2025, $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples) and meet the SSA's definition of disability [1]. TBI is listed in the SSA's Blue Book under neurological disorders, but even if your condition isn't listed, you may qualify if it prevents you from working [6].

SSDI and SSI can be received together if your SSDI payment is low enough that SSI can 'top up' your total to the federal benefit rate ($967/month for individuals in 2025) [1].

In Oklahoma, people with traumatic brain injury can access both federal and state disability programs. The state's HealthChoice Disability Plan offers long-term disability benefits for eligible public employees, with a maximum monthly benefit of $3,000 [2]. Oklahoma also provides a state supplement to SSI, but you must apply for it separately through the state [5].

To qualify for state disability programs, you must meet specific criteria, such as being employed by a participating state agency and having a documented disability that prevents you from working [2]. Medicaid waivers, such as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), may be available to help cover long-term care needs for those with TBI [internal_link: Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].

Oklahoma's Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical evidence to decide if you qualify for federal benefits [7].

• Gather medical records showing your TBI diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Collect proof of income, assets, and work history.
• Apply for SSDI and SSI online, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• Apply for Oklahoma's state supplement to SSI through the state.
• Contact Disability Determination Services for help with the medical review process.

• Step 1: Get your medical records. Make sure they include your TBI diagnosis, treatment history, and how your condition limits your daily activities and ability to work. This is crucial for both federal and state applications [6].
• Step 2: Collect financial documents. You'll need proof of income, assets, and work history for SSDI and SSI applications [1].
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI and SSI. You can do this online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. The SSA will check your non-medical eligibility first, then send your case to Oklahoma's Disability Determination Services for medical review [5].
• Step 4: Apply for Oklahoma's state supplement to SSI. This is separate from the federal application and must be done through the state [5].
• Step 5: Follow up with Disability Determination Services. They may ask for more information or schedule a medical exam. Keep all your records organized and respond promptly to requests [7].
• Step 6: If you're employed by a state agency, check if you qualify for the HealthChoice Disability Plan. Contact your employer for details [2].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly benefits based on your work history. In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $3,627 [5].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides benefits to people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967/month for individuals [1].
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. Medicaid waivers may be available for long-term care [internal_link: Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].

• HealthChoice Disability Plan: Offers long-term disability benefits for eligible public employees in Oklahoma. The maximum monthly benefit is $3,000, and benefits are based on your disability, years of service, and age at onset [2].
• Oklahoma SSI State Supplement: Provides extra money to SSI recipients in Oklahoma. You must apply for this supplement separately through the state [5].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help cover long-term care needs for people with disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injury. These waivers allow you to receive care in your home or community instead of an institution [internal_link: Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].
• Disability Determination Services (DDS): Reviews medical evidence to decide if you qualify for federal disability benefits in Oklahoma [7].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. Oklahoma offers ABLE accounts, which can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. Your total combined SSDI and SSI benefits cannot exceed these limits. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples [1].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living arrangements to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. For more information, see [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Oklahoma Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 405-521-4931

  Website

  For help with the medical review process for disability benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For help with SSDI and SSI applications.

• Can I get both SSDI and SSI with traumatic brain injury in Oklahoma?

  Yes, if your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can 'top up' your total benefits to the federal limit. In 2025, the limit is $967/month for individuals. You must meet both SSDI and SSI eligibility requirements [1].

• What medical evidence do I need for a TBI disability claim?

  You need medical records showing your TBI diagnosis, treatment history, and how your condition limits your ability to work. This includes doctor's notes, test results, and treatment plans [6].

• Does Oklahoma offer extra help for SSI recipients?

  Yes, Oklahoma provides a state supplement to SSI, but you must apply for it separately through the state. This can increase your total monthly benefit [5].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Oklahoma?

  You can apply for SSDI and SSI online, by phone, or at a local SSA office. For state benefits, contact your employer or the state agency that runs the program [5].

• What is the HealthChoice Disability Plan?

  It's a long-term disability plan for eligible public employees in Oklahoma. The maximum monthly benefit is $3,000, and benefits depend on your disability, years of service, and age at onset [2].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits?

  Yes, but there are limits. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620/month for most people. Earning more than this may affect your benefits [3].