Library & Tools

This webinar, held on March 6, 2025, reviewed recent SSA policy updates that are important for SOAR case workers to understand.

Are you ready to submit your first SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI application packet? This infographic provides a simple flowchart for how to best contact your local SSA office.

On this webinar, held on January 25, 2022, panelists shared best practice examples on how they have incorporated their lived expertise into their SOAR work.

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.

Here is some guidance for completing the SSA:1699 to register as a Representative with SSA.

All Appointed Representatives assisting SSI/SSDI claimants using the SSA-1696 must now register as a Representative using the new SSA-1699: Representative Registration form.

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.

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.

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.