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  • Standard SOAR Process for Completing SSI/SSDI Applications

    After completing the SOAR Online Course: Adult Curriculum, case workers assisting adult SSI/SSDI applicants should complete the following steps as part of a standard SOAR workflow. In many states and communities, there is an established SOAR Process for the submission and processing of SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI applications. In other areas, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS) may not yet know about the SOAR initiative. Either way, case workers can use the SOAR model to submit quality and complete SSI/SSDI applications efficiently and effectively.

    Type
    Guides
    Key Resource
    Yes
  • Best Practices for Collaborating with SSA and DDS

    SOAR seeks to increase access to Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. To achieve this goal, collaborations with SSA and the Disability Determination Services (DDS) are absolutely essential. SOAR can provide invaluable assistance to both SSA and DDS and, similarly, SSA and DDS can help to streamline the process for SOAR providers and for the applicants they both serve.

    Type
    Article
    Key Resource
    Yes
  • SSVF and SOAR Integration Toolkit

    This toolkit, updated and re-released in August 2019, contains extensive resources on how to integrate the SOAR model into community planning efforts, for serving both Veterans and non-Veterans.

    Type
    Toolkit
    Key Resource
    Yes
  • SOAR Critical Component: The Medical Summary Report

    The Medical Summary Report (MSR) is SOAR’s signature tool and key to a successful application. It provides a succinct, comprehensive summary of the applicant’s personal and treatment history and its impact on his or her life. It also clearly describes the factors affecting functioning and ability to work.

    Type
    Article
    Key Resource
    Yes
  • Linking Functional Information to Diagnosis and Impairment

    For applicants with mental disorders, DDS examiners look at a person’s ability to function in four primary areas. Your responsibility is to describe the functioning of the individual in as much detail as possible and to document how the person’s illness impairs his or her ability to function and maintain employment at a substantial gainful level.

    Type
    Article
    Key Resource
    Yes
  • Benefits of SOAR Collaboration with SSA and DDS

    A key component of the SOAR model is developing strong collaborations with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS). The SOAR TA Center has created a guide to help!

    Type
    Guides
  • Demonstrating SOAR Values with Words

    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.

    Type
    Infographic
  • SOAR Integration in Continuums of Care (CoCs)

    Including SOAR in local CoC planning and projects is a viable strategy for connecting individuals to long-term stable income and improving CoC system performance. CoCs nationwide have included SOAR in their local homeless response systems.

    Type
    Article