California

AMVETS and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers information, counseling and claims service to all honorably discharged veterans and their dependents concerning disability compensation, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pension, education, employment, and other benefits.

The California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation supports several locations across the state that offer information and resources for people with brain injury. There are also several non profit support organizations with information about local support groups, resources and programs.

The Client Assistance Program (CAP) can provide information and support to individuals who have questions or complaints about Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services in their state. The CAP program can explain the rights and responsibilities of people receiving services from VR, can mediate disputes between clients and VR, and can advise or assist in filing formal complaints or appeals of VR decisions.

Independent Living Centers are non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy by and for persons with all types of disabilities. Each ILC offers independent living skills training, peer counseling, and information about services that can assist a person live as independently as possible in the community.

Medicaid provides basic health care for people who have a disability, limited income, or receive certain other government benefits. Medicaid offices offer information on who is eligible and how to apply for Medicaid. In some states, a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver (HCBS) exists, which helps people with brain injury who prefer to get long-term care services and supports in their home or community instead of an institutional setting like a nursing home.

Parent Training and Information Centers help parents of children with disabilities, including brain injury, understand their rights and obtain appropriate services for their children within the school system. Services can include peer to peer support and assistance, advocacy for services, parent or school training, and referral to available community resources.

The Protection and Advocacy office works with people with disabilities, including brain injury, to ensure access to appropriate supports and services which can include educational programs, financial entitlements, healthcare, accessible housing, transportation, and employment opportunities. It also works to prevent the abuse, neglect and inappropriate placement of people with disabilities.

The Social Security Administration manages two benefit programs for people with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly income to people with limited income and work history as a result of a disability. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides disability payments for workers who have contributed to Social Security and become disabled or blind before reaching retirement age and cannot work.

State Insurance Departments are state agencies that ensure insurance companies obey all state insurance laws and regulations. They can offer information about insurance laws in the state, and assist consumers in resolving complaints or concerns with insurance companies.

Crime victim compensation programs across the country offer crucial financial assistance to victims of violent crimes. This government program is designed to pay for some of the costs that can result from being the victim of a violent crime. This can include payments for some medical expenses, counseling costs, lost wages or burial expenses.

A federal/state program designed to assist people with a disability to return to gainful employment. Individualized services can include assessment, evaluation, career counseling, counseling, job training and job support.