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  • FAQs on SOAR and Permanent Supportive Housing

    Individuals living in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) are eligible for SOAR services. Housing status (i.e. living arrangement) and receipt of vouchers or other in-kind support can impact eligibility and benefit amounts for SSI and SSDI. Understanding the impact of living arrangements, vouchers, income from work, and rent obligations can help individuals maintain their benefits and housing.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Aug, 2024
  • SSA Online Services: A How-To Guide for SOAR Providers

    The Social Security Administration (SSA) Online Services can be used to efficiently communicate with, acquire information from, and send information to SSA. This guide describes who is eligible, how to obtain access, and the key uses for each online service. If you have questions, please contact your SOAR TA Center Liaison.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Apr, 2024
  • SSA POMS: Mental Limitations

    The Program Operations Manual System (POMS) is a resource used by Social Security employees to process claims for Social Security benefits. It provides detailed instructions and guidance on various aspects of benefit administration. Here we review POMS DI 25020.010-Mental Limitations.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Apr, 2024
  • SOAR Recertification Process

    The SOAR Recertification Process aims to ensure that case workers who passed the SOAR Online Course more than one year ago but have not yet utilized the SOAR model to assist with SSI/SSDI applications are refreshed on the process. It also offers an opportunity for SOAR practitioners to verify their involvement with and knowledge of SOAR without having to complete the SOAR Online Course multiple times or on a yearly basis.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Feb, 2024
  • Recognizing National Social Security Month

    April is National Social Security Month! In 2021, we honored Mike Nolan, one of the SOAR initiative’s longest-standing supporters at the Social Security Administration (SSA).

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Jan, 2023
  • Celebrating Black History Month

    February is Black History Month, a time for us to honor Black Americans’ achievements in the face of systemic oppression throughout our Nation’s history. In 2021, we celebrated the Former Acting Commissioner of Social Security (ACOSS), Carolyn W. Colvin, M.B.A., her achievements while in office, and her support of the SAMHSA SOAR model.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Jan, 2023
  • SSA Annual Updates

    Find up-to-date information on the rates that SSA sets annually.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Mar, 2022
  • Identifying Possible Special Medical Vocational Profiles

    In an effort to better identify appropriate SOAR claimants, identifying claims which are more likely to have a favorable outcome is paramount. Social Security has developed Special Medical Vocational Profiles, which are rare combinations of adversities that combine, along with impairments, to result in a finding of disabled. 

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Jun, 2021
  • SSA Issues an Emergency Message for Evaluating COVID

    SSA is now evaluating the long-term effects of COVID-19 when determining disability. On April 16, 2021, SSA issued an Emergency Message (EM) with guidance to its employees for evaluating adult disability cases that include an allegation or diagnosis of COVID-19. Here are the key points of the EM as well as tips for SOAR practitioners to effectively represent SSI/SSDI applicants whose functioning is impacted by COVID-19.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    May, 2021