How to apply for Kentucky Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund

Who it's for

The Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund helps Kentuckians who have a partial or total disability caused by an injury to the brain and who do not have other viable funding sources for the services they need. It is a payer of last resort — it covers services only when other benefits have been exhausted or don't cover them. There is no family income cap. Covered supports include case management, community residential services, structured day programs, psychological services, prevocational and supported-employment services, companion services, respite care, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy. It does not cover institutionalization, hospitalization, medication, or legal/court costs. Benefits are capped at $15,000 per year and $60,000 over a lifetime (case management does not count toward the caps).

What you'll need

• Proof of Kentucky residency
• Documentation of a disability caused by an injury to the brain
• Documentation that other funding sources for the needed service are exhausted or unavailable
• TBI Trust Fund application (contact the program to begin)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Kentucky Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of kentucky residency, documentation of a disability caused by an injury to the brain, documentation that other funding sources for the needed service are exhausted or unavailable — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility before applying: you must be a Kentuckian with a partial or total disability caused by a brain injury, and you must have no other viable funding source for the service you need. The TBI Trust Fund is a payer of last resort — it only helps when other benefits are exhausted or do not cover the service.
2. Gather your required documents: proof of Kentucky residency, documentation of a disability caused by an injury to the brain, and documentation showing that other funding sources for the needed service are exhausted or unavailable.
3. Contact the Kentucky Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund program to obtain the official application. Call 1-855-816-9577 or apply online to start the process.
4. Complete the TBI Trust Fund application fully and accurately, making sure all required documentation is attached.
5. Submit your completed application and supporting documents through the online portal or by phone at 1-855-816-9577. Staff can guide you on the best submission method.
6. Keep copies of everything you submit and note the date you applied. If you have questions about processing times, ask program staff for an estimate when you call.

What to expect: After submitting, program staff will review your application and documentation to determine whether you qualify for services. Because the TBI Trust Fund has limited funds and is application- and review-based, processing times can vary — contact the program at (855) 816-9577 for a current estimate. If approved, benefits are capped at $15,000 per year and $60,000 over your lifetime (case management services do not count toward those caps). You will need to renew your benefits annually, and your continued eligibility will be reviewed at that time. Keep in mind that the fund does not cover institutionalization, hospitalization, medication, or legal and court costs.

Renewals

annual (subject to $15,000/year and $60,000 lifetime caps)