SOAR Webinar: Documenting and Supporting SSI/SSDI Applications Involving Substance Use Disorders

This webinar included panelists from the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, a SOAR Provider, and a Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS) Professional Relations Officer. The presenters discussed SSA’s DA&A (Drug Addiction & Alcoholism) policy, the concept of “materiality,” and how to demonstrate to DDS that past or ongoing substance use is not material to a finding of disability.

We shared examples of effective descriptions from redacted Medical Summary Reports (MSRs) written by panelists. Also, our DDS panelist discussed how SSA evaluates claims where medication-assisted treatment and medical marijuana are present. You will hear from a SOAR beneficiary who will join the panel to share their experiences with the SOAR process. 

This webinar will be helpful to SOAR-trained case workers who are looking for examples of how to interview applicants with histories of substance use disorders. Tools developed by the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center will be shared to further assist participants in interviewing applicants with substance use disorders and translating this information into the MSR. 

Access Presentation Slides

• Amanda Starkey, MA, Project Associate II, SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, Policy Research Associates, Troy, New York 
• Natasha Gutierrez, Operations Manager, Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS), Albuquerque, New Mexico 
• Laura “Bug” Carlson, MFA, SOAR Executive Director, Local Lead, Heading Home, Albuquerque, New Mexico 
• Ashley Aragon, BSW, SOAR Program Director, Heading Home, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• SOAR Beneficiary, Heading Home, Albuquerque, New Mexico