The Basics

The following story is about Molly, a 54-year old interior designer, who makes use of several disability benefit and health care programs after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Molly also uses the DB101 website, the Minnesota Work Incentives Connection, and Vocational Rehabilitation services to help plan her return to work.

You may find some similarities between Molly’s experiences and your own. If you have questions about anything you read in Molly’s Story, use DB101’s Talk to an Expert feature to contact a benefits and employment specialist.

Meet Molly:
Name:	Molly
Age:	54
Marital Status:	Married
Employment:	Interior Designer
Assets:	Checking, Savings, and $5,000 in stocks and 401(k)
Disabling Conditions:	Traumatic Brain Injury
Before Injury:
Income from Full-Time Work:	$5,400 per month
Health Care Coverage:	On husband’s health care plan
After Injury:
Income (not working):	$1,247 of SSDI per month
Health Care Coverage:	On husband's health care plan
Working Part-Time at Lily’s Interiors:
Income (During Trial Work Period and Three-Month Grace Period):	$2,809 ($1,562 earnings, $1,247 SSDI)
Income Working 20 Hours Per Week (During Extended Period of Eligibility):	$1,562 (earnings)
Income Working 30 Hours Per Week (During Extended Period of Eligibility):	$2,344 (earnings)
Income Working 20 Hours Per Week (After Extended Period of Eligibility):	$1,562 (earnings)
Health Care Coverage:	On husband’s health care plan, MA-EPD, and Medicare