Library & Tools

Connecting Veterans with Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits is a critical step to increasing income stability for Veterans and their families, particularly for those Veterans whose work activity is limited by disabling conditions. The SOAR model helps individuals obtain SSA disability benefits while they are pursuing their vocational and housing goals through the GPD Program. 

The SOAR model’s culturally-sensitive engagement process and holistic approach to SSI/SSDI application assistance can be a critical support for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) community members whether residing on or off reservations.

This infographic, developed by the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, provides an overview of how SOAR can make a difference in tribal communities. 

SSI/SSDI benefits are important resources for Veterans, as they can receive these benefits in conjunction with, or an an alternative to, VA disability benefits and employment. This is where SOAR can help.

Here are SOAR Tools and Resources to help American Indian and Alaska Native communities establish and grow their SOAR initiatives.

This webinar, held on March 10, 2016, focused on assisting with SSI/SSDI applications for immigrants and non-citizens.

On this webinar, held on April 28, 2022, representatives from both the systems and community level shared best practices for engaging Native individuals to complete SOAR-assisted applications and discussed strategies for gaining buy-in for SOAR from Native Communities in both urban and rural settings.

This webinar, held on January 13, 2021, discussed how Native communities can implement and benefit from SOAR.

This webinar, held on November 12, 2015 educated SOAR practitioners about the presence of TBI among returning service members, as well as individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Programs Office, in partnership with the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, recently released guidance for all federal VA staff on using SOAR in their work to end Veteran homelessness.