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Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Question:
How much money can a person make and still receive SSI?

If a person is working while applying for SSI and is earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit set annually by SSA, they will not be eligible for benefits.

However, SSA has many work incentive programs for SSI beneficiaries to assist their efforts to return to work. These programs exclude some income/resources so that SSI recipients can attempt work, and even earn above SGA, without fear of losing their benefits. We recommend that beneficiaries speak with a work incentives specialist to discuss how work will affects their own benefits. A good place to start to find local resources is SSA's Ticket to Work website.

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Question:
What if an SSI/SSDI beneficiary gets a job and earns over the allowed limit and has to pay back money over time? Should they cut back on what they earn, quit, or what should they do?

First, here is some information about overpayments and how to help prevent them in the future: Avoiding and Managing SSI/SSDI Overpayments. Reporting earnings is absolutely essential to prevent overpayments. SSA has some options for requesting waivers of overpayments and can set up payment plans if they deny the waiver request. 

Deciding whether to quit or cut back their hours depends on the person’s circumstances. No matter what, they need to report their earnings. Those earnings will impact SSI and SSDI differently (read some basic information about SSA Work Incentives). For some people, they can earn a lot more income by working and if they are feeling well and are able to work, that is probably what they should do (their decision!). For others, the stability of their SSDI payment is important and so they work under SGA each month to keep their benefit. Ultimately, I would recommend that they talk to a Benefits Counselor to discuss their options.

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Question:
Are the CEUs offered by SOAR Online Course approved by the American Counseling Association or the National Board of Certified Counselors?

The CEUs offered by the SOAR Online Course are approved by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

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Question:
How long is the SOAR Online training?

We estimate that it will take 16-20 hours to complete the Online Course.  This includes the completion of the Practice Case in which you will submit an SSI/SSDI application packet for a fictitious client to the SOAR TA Center.

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Question:
In the SOAR Online Course practice case, I inadvertently loaded blank forms 827 & 1696. What do I do?

If you go back to the Practice Case in Class 2 you should be able to delete the documents you uploaded and re-upload the correct versions.  If you have already submitted your entire application packet in Class 7 you will not be able to make any of the changes online.  However, you can email the correct forms to soaronline@prainc.com

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Question:
Once I have completed and passed the Online Course, what is my title?

Individual providers can choose whatever title works best for themselves and their agency.  Some examples that we have seen include SOAR practitioner, SOAR benefits specialist, SOAR case manager, and SOAR specialist. Others will use their traditional title (e.g. social worker, case manager, outreach worker) and say that they are SOAR trained or certified in the SOAR process. 

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Question:
How much does the SOAR online course cost?

The SOAR online course is available free of charge. Anyone interested in SOAR training is welcome to enroll at any time. The course is self-paced and you can receive support and assistance by contacting your SOAR TA Center Liaison or SOAR state/local lead.

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Question:
I'm trying to upload the SSA forms for the SOAR online course and I'm getting a message that the file size is too large. How do I submit my forms for the course if I cannot upload them?

If you are having difficulty uploading documents for the SOAR online course, please contact us at 518-439-7415 x2. We can walk you through the uploading process or can arrange to accept the documents via email or fax.

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Question:
I am completing the SOAR Online Course and I'm wondering how many CEUs will be awarded to me after completion? Also, what is the time frame for getting that recognition?

Upon successful completion of the practice case in the SOAR Online Course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and 20 continuing education (CE) contact hours from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Once you submit your case study packet in Class 7, your application packet will be reviewed by SOAR TA Center staff who will provide you with feedback. If your application packet is complete and without major errors or omissions, you will receive your certificate. This can take up to 10 business days. If there are significant errors/omissions, you will be invited to revise your packet and resubmit it for a second review. If the errors/omissions have been corrected, you will receive a Certificate of Completion with your CEs.

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Question:
How do I download SSA forms from the SOAR Online Course to my computer where I can complete them?

All of the forms required for the SOAR online course are located in Class 1 Practice Case page, “Meet your Client”. Right-click on each file, choose "Save Target As" (or "Save Link As"), and save in an easily-accessible location on your computer. The forms may also be opened as pdfs and then completed and saved. The course will instruct you on when each form needs to be completed and uploaded to the website. If you have any trouble uploading the completed forms, you can see our Troubleshooting Tips.

If you are looking to download and complete SSA forms outside of the SOAR Online Course, many forms can be found in our Library or on the SSA website.

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