Library & Tools

This infographic provides a simple flowchart for how to best contact your local SSA office.

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. 

Increasing income through employment and Social Security disability benefits is critical for maintaining housing stability. However, for individuals utilizing housing vouchers, fear of losing their vouchers often prevents them from exploring employment. To encourage work, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has numerous incentives to protect those returning to work from immediate rent increases and voucher loss.

This webinar, held on May 13, 2015, provided the background, tips and tools necessary to implement consumer/peer initiatives within SOAR programs to increase service capacity.

The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center is proud to debut a new resource guide on practical ways that SOAR can be integrated into the peer-certification process. 

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

The SOAR TA Center encourages the use of a great service offered by the Social Security Administration, my Social Security

National Recovery Month is observed every September to educate the public about mental health and substance use disorders and to celebrate the gains accomplished by individuals in recovery. In celebration, the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center extends thanks and appreciation to the 250+ SOAR-trained case workers who identify as “peers.”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out automatic letters to applicants during the SSI/SSDI application process. To prevent unnecessary distress for applicants, we recommend letting applicants know that they may receive these notices shortly after applying.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) keeps all new disability files in electronic format. Applicants and authorized representatives have the right to obtain relevant application information on a CD-ROM. When you are preparing to appeal a denial of disability benefits, you should request the case file so that you can review key components of the file and decision.