Skip to main content

SOAR Webinar: Understanding and Using Vocational Information for Quality SOAR Applications

Providing accurate work history information is absolutely vital to include in all SOAR applications. SSA uses this information to determine if the applicant is able to return to past work, or perform other work in the national economy. This webinar, the first in our "Completing Quality SOAR Applications" series, was held on April 25, 2018, and addressed strategies for obtaining accurate work history information. 

Description

On this webinar, we discussed how useful vocational evaluations and assessments are when assisting an individual with a SOAR application. Participants heard from SOAR providers and a DDS representative who shared a variety of vocational resources that can improve disability applications but are also helpful for explaining vocational opportunities for SOAR applicants.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Use vocational assessments and evaluations in SOAR applications and  future work plans
  • Obtain employer opinion letters to document work related limitations and duties
  • Complete an accurate ‘Work History Report’

Presenters:

  • Jennifer Nottingham, Operations Manager, Nevada Bureau of Disability Adjudication/Disability Determination Services, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Byron J. Kish, Esq., SOAR State Lead, Easterseals Colorado, Lakewood, Colorado
  • Lauren Patti, SOAR Local Lead and Assistant Director, Bayaud Enterprises Inc., Denver, Colorado

Webinar Materials:

Note: This webinar may refer to reporting the applicant's work history in the 15 years prior to the alleged date of onset. Effective June 8, 2024, SSA has updated the definition of past relevant work (PRW) by reducing the relevant work period from 15 to 5 years. Additionally, SSA will not consider past work that started and stopped in fewer than 30 calendar days to be PRW. 

Resources

Links

Files