Library & Tools

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.

The SOAR Recertification Process provides an opportunity for active SOAR-trained practitioners to obtain an updated Certificate of Completion to verify their involvement with and knowledge of SOAR without having to complete the SOAR Online Course multiple times or on a yearly basis.

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.

This webinar, held on March 8, 2023, spotlighted successful collaborations between SOAR practitioners and medical providers.

Read our Q&A with a SOAR case worker from New York who has an appeals success story!

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding HIPAA concerns when collecting and releasing medical records.

You want to be a SOAR provider? That’s great! This infographic shows what to expect.

This issue brief provides guidance on how community agencies and local colleges/universities can collaborate to develop partnerships that integrate SOAR within the social work learning process.