Hi all -

My hubby had a ski accident 1/31/11 and has a TBI (traumatic brain injury).
He has been completely unable to work since his accident. I've been following the forums in the head injury section and just noticed you folks over here. Since the other forums have been such a blessing, thought I'd ask you folks for some help too!

Hubby is 52 and has run CNC machines in a factory for 25 years.
Completely unable to function 90% of the time - simply lies in bed watching tv (he feels best in a prone position). Symptoms are extreme dizziness, brain fog, light and noise sensitivity, cognitive thinking issues, etc...

His employer has been wonderful and is holding his job until 2/1/12. Based on his recovery thus far - there is no way (short of a God given miracle) he will return to work Feb 1.

Praise the Lord --- hubby had purchased the optional Long Term Disability Insurance offered thru his employer and we applied this past summer when his short term disability insurance ran out. The long term Insurance company stalled us for 3 months but in November notified us they are not going to dispute our doctors statements and agree hubby is disabled and began paying monthly.

The insurance company had informed me that they pay until hubby reaches 59 1/2 or something weird like that. Obviously, subject to bi-monthly reports from doctors, etc. I've seen some nightmare stuff online in forums regarding abrupt stopping of payments irregardless of doctor reports, etc.

They also said that after paying out for 24 months they will then help us (force us?) to begin application for gov't disability. It sounds like they pay a guaranteed xxxx amount per month (based on hubby past 3 months of employment) and then if hubby begins receiving gov't disability payments the insurance company will then reduce the amount they pay us and will make up the difference if the gov't pays less than their guaranteed amount.

Anyway, my question is this.... shouldn't we file for gov't disability immediately when he officially loses his job?

What would be the advantage of NOT filing for gov't disability immediately?

BTW, insurance right now will not be a problem Although hubby has always maintained insurance on us and our 2 teenagers, my employer will immediately add all 4 of us to their health insurance policy and cover all pre-existing conditions with no problem as soon as hubby loses his job and insurance.

Sorry for the long post! Thanks for any insight you can give us. Making decisions like this is scary stuff!

Blessings to you all...
Amy