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  • Brain Injury Awareness and Education Resources

    Here are a number of resources for professionals as well as for individuals with brain injuries and their families. This information was compiled by Anastasia Edmonston MS CRC., TBI and Person Centered Planning Trainer, Maryland Behavioral Health Administration 2015*, and additional resources have been added as they have become available.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Apr, 2018
  • Celebrating Black History Month

    February is Black History Month, a time for us to honor Black Americans’ achievements in the face of systemic oppression throughout our Nation’s history. In 2021, we celebrated the Former Acting Commissioner of Social Security (ACOSS), Carolyn W. Colvin, M.B.A., her achievements while in office, and her support of the SAMHSA SOAR model.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Jan, 2023
  • Creating a my Social Security Account for Applicants

    When assisting an individual with completing and electronically signing an Online Disability Benefit Application the applicant will need to create a my Social Security account. The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center has developed guidance for SOAR providers.

    Type:
    Guides
    Date:
    Mar, 2022
  • Definitions of Homelessness

    The SAMHSA SOAR initiative is intended for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These terms are defined differently by SOAR and the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is important for SOAR providers to understand these differences when determining who meets the housing criteria to be a SOAR applicant and which cases can be expedited at SSA through the use of the “homeless flag.”

    Type:
    Guides
    Date:
    Jan, 2018
  • Getting Involved with SOAR

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

    Type:
    Guides
    Date:
    Mar, 2022
  • Identifying Possible Special Medical Vocational Profiles

    In an effort to better identify appropriate SOAR claimants, identifying claims which are more likely to have a favorable outcome is paramount. Social Security has developed Special Medical Vocational Profiles, which are rare combinations of adversities that combine, along with impairments, to result in a finding of disabled. 

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Jun, 2021
  • Identifying SOAR Applicants

    Here is some guidance to help case workers identify adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness who may be eligible for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits. While we do not want to discourage anyone from applying for SSA benefits, this guidance can help you identify individuals that most need your assistance with their SSI/SSDI application.

    Type:
    Guides
    Date:
    Dec, 2017
  • Interviewing Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals for the MSR

    This guidance document is a supplement to the Medical Summary Report Interview Guide and Template. It provides important considerations when working with individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing. It includes helpful information about hearing loss, Deaf culture, and important accommodations. Finally, it includes sample questions that may be helpful in your interview.

    Type:
    Guides
    Date:
    Jul, 2022
  • Medicaid and Medicare: An Overview

    Both SSA disability programs have health insurance programs associated with them. For SSI it is Medicaid; for SSDI it is Medicare which begins two years after the date of eligibility. Establishing eligibility for SSI or SSDI can be key to connecting with Medicaid or Medicare health insurance. 

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Oct, 2015