Library & Tools

Understanding SSA's disability criteria helps the SOAR case manager assess the documentation necessary to support the claim of disability.

The SAMHSA SOAR initiative is intended for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These terms are defined differently by SOAR and the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is important for SOAR providers to understand these differences when determining who meets the housing criteria to be a SOAR applicant and which cases can be expedited at SSA through the use of the “homeless flag.”

The SOAR model for completing SSI/SSDI applications utilizes five critical components that significantly increase the likelihood of an approval for those who are eligible.

How does the SOAR application process differ from the conventional application process? Let's see how implementing SOAR critical components helps the disability determination process move more smoothly and quickly.

This graphic provides an overview of how SSA and DDS process disability applications.

This guide will help you complete an SSI application for a child using the SOAR model. You have 60 days from the protective filing date (PFD) to submit a complete application packet to the Social Security Administration (SSA). We encourage you to complete the process in less time as you are able.

Here are examples of completed SSA and SOAR Forms using information from a fictitious SSI child applicant.

This webinar, held on April 11, 2019, provided tips on how to get started on your first SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI application.

This webinar, held on January 22, 2020, explored Step 3 and Step 5 of SSA's Sequential Evaluation process -- the only two steps at which an applicant can be found disabled.

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.