Library & Tools

Words are powerful, and the words we choose impact understanding, interpretation, and ultimately, the outcomes of disability applications. By carefully choosing our words, we convey respect for the applicant’s experience and their intrinsic value as people first.

On this webinar, held on August 15, 2024, the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center shared tips for writing effective MSRs.

The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Online Services can be used by representatives (such as SOAR providers) 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.

These are the tools and worksheets created by the SOAR TA Center that can help you in the SSI/SSDI Application process.

SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) case workers assist eligible individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Due to the unique nature of the position, the following are helpful suggestions and reminders when supervising SOAR case workers.

Staff turnover while there are pending disability applications can confuse and concern the applicant, the Social Security Administration (SSA), and Disability Determination Services (DDS). This checklist helps agencies effectively transfer applications to a new SOAR case worker, resulting in a frustration-free experience for all.

These are the tools and worksheets created by the SOAR TA Center that can help you in the Child SSI Application process.

Here are the SSA forms, links, and other helpful resources you will need to complete SSI and/or SSDI applications.

This guide helps new SOAR Case Workers get acquainted with their role.

Here is some guidance from the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center and the Social Security Administration for gathering information about and documenting Long COVID for SSI/SSDI applications.