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  • SSI/SSDI and Employment: A Brief Overview of SSA Work Incentives

    Case managers are encouraged to support individuals to pursue their vocational goals, both before and after applying for SSI/SSDI. This overview will briefly discuss how the Social Security Administration (SSA) views the work activity of an SSI/SSDI applicant, and the many work incentives available to beneficiaries.

    Type
    Article
    Key Resource
    Yes
  • SOAR Funding and Sustainability Overview

    There is no dedicated source of funding for SOAR programs. As a result, difficulty obtaining funds to pay the salaries of SOAR benefits specialists is a major reason that SOAR services in some areas are severely limited or nonexistent. Despite these challenges, communities have been resourceful in securing funding from a variety of sources.

    Type
    Article
    Key Resource
    Yes
  • FAQs for Working While Applying for or Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits

    Individuals applying for or receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can work. Individuals should contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) for comprehensive information regarding eligibility for benefits and visit the SSA website to learn more about eligibility criteria.

    Type
    Article
  • 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
  • Encouraging Employment: Self-Employment

    Individuals who receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs may combine their benefits with employment income. Self-employment or “gig work” may be an opportunity to maximize income for individuals who prefer a less formal, more flexible, and individualized employment option.

    Type
    Article
  • Income Support Plans

    An income support plan documents an individual’s income needs and goals and sets action steps for pursuing a variety of income sources

    Type
    Article
  • SOAR and the VA Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program

    Connecting Veterans with Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits is a critical step to increasing income stability for Veterans and their families, particularly for those Veterans whose work activity is limited by disabling conditions. The SOAR model helps individuals obtain SSA disability benefits while they are pursuing their vocational and housing goals through the GPD Program. 

    Type
    Article
  • Using ESG-CV Funds for Dedicated SOAR Case Workers

    The CARES Act included additional Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) funding for communities. There is an opportunity for ESG recipients and Continuums of Care (CoCs) to use some of this funding to support dedicated SOAR case workers.

    Type
    Article
  • SOAR Funding Strategies

    SOAR programs can be funded through a variety of sources, including foundations, private donors, and businesses operating in your communities. 

    Type
    Article
  • SOAR Marketing Strategies

    SOAR programs across the nation are looking for attention-getting ways to communicate with government officials, community providers, potential volunteers, and funders about the work SOAR is doing to help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness access Social Security benefits. Most of these stakeholders will look online to find information about your program.

    Type
    Article
  • New VA Tool Helps Maximize Income

    Released by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in July 2018, and updated in 2023, this tool helps demonstrate how income from employment and/or VA disability benefits will affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

    Type
    Article