COVID-19 Resources for SOAR Providers

SOAR Resources

Suggestions from the Field

SOAR providers have shared how they are using new (and old!) ways of communication to keep SSI/SSDI applications moving forward. Here are some strategies for communicating with applicants as well as with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS) while offices are closed or working remotely.

Communicating with the Applicant

• Communicate via phone to complete forms and gather information for the MSR.
• Use Zoom/Skype when possible.
• Access funding to provide phones and cell service for your applicants:
  • CoCs: HUD funding
  • Health Care Providers*: FCC Cares Act Telehealth Program (*Take note of questions #10 and #17 regarding eligible entities and services).

Obtaining Signatures from the Applicant

• If possible, make one trip to the client to obtain all signatures.
• Ask applicant if there is an address they can use during this time. Mail forms that need to be signed; include a stamped envelope for them to return signed forms to you or mail directly to the provider.
• Have applicants with cell phones snap a photo of the signed form and email it to you for printing.
• Drop off forms to applicant, including sample completed versions, and get a phone number where they can be reached. Review/complete forms over the phone. Pick up and review the completed forms - if there are any needed corrections, note those errors and leave it with the applicant. Once complete, pick up all forms.

Communicating/Submitting Documents to SSA

• Mail forms that require wet signatures to SSA. See if your local office will use the postmark date as receipt date.
• Inquire about postponing the PFD. 
• Once contact has been made with SSA/DDS representative, be sure to get their contact information.
• For appeals, ask for a continuance for hearings scheduled in April or May. Some courts are conducting hearings via phone or videoconference (Zoom, Skype, etc.).
• SSA is accepting in-person appointments for vulnerable individuals (including people experiencing homelessness). Appointment requests can be made by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

SOAR Products & Tools

• Good Cause for Late Filing Letter Template (DOCX)
• Webinar: SOAR Implementation During COVID-19 Response, April 16, 2020: Learn about innovative ways to continue providing SOAR services during the COVID-19 response, as well as the impact of unemployment and stimulus payments on Social Security benefits.
  • Slide Presentation with Transcript (PDF)
• Impact of Unemployment and Stimulus Payments on SSI/SSDI

HIPAA During COVID-19:

Federal Resources

• Social Security Administration (SSA): https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/
  • SSA Press Release regarding Stimulus checks for SSI recipients: https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/#4-2020-1
  • SSA Office Signage
  • Waiver of Recovery of Certain Overpayment Debts Accruing During the COVID–19 Pandemic Period: https://bit.ly/2YCoLaQ
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/coronavirus
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD): https://www.hudexchange.info/news/covid-19-prevention-and-response-for-homeless-providers-daily-resource-digest/ 
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - specific to HIPAA: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/hipaa-covid19/index.html 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 
• United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH): https://www.usich.gov/covid-19/
  • Federal Programs that Support Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

State and National Partner Resources

• National Healthcare for the Homeless Council (NHCHC): https://nhchc.org/clinical-practice/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/ 
• National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH): https://endhomelessness.org/practice-resources-for-covid-19/
• Policy Research, Inc. (PRI): Release to What? Behavioral Health-Based Strategies to Address COVID-19. Recommendations for jails and prisons releasing individuals with complex mental health needs, substance use disorders, and medical and housing vulnerabilities to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO): Race, Homelessness, and COVID-19: Guidance for Homeless Services Providers