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  • SOAR Supervision Checklist

    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.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Mar, 2024
  • SOAR Succession Planning

    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.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Mar, 2024
  • 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
    Date:
    Jul, 2023
  • 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
    Date:
    Apr, 2023
  • SSA Annual Updates

    Find up-to-date information on the rates that SSA sets annually.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Mar, 2022
  • Pay Equity for Social Workers

    When employers recognize the value of SOAR case workers and coordinators by offering them equitable salaries, the benefits go beyond the individual case worker.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Apr, 2021
  • Sample SOAR Job Description

    Is your agency looking to hire a SOAR Benefits Specialist?  Take a look at this Sample Job Description!

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Jun, 2019
  • 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
    Date:
    Jul, 2018
  • 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
    Date:
    Dec, 2017
  • Avoiding and Managing SSI/SSDI Overpayments

    SSI/SSDI overpayments may cause undue hardship for beneficiaries who are experiencing or at-risk for homelessness. This article provides tips for avoiding overpayments and steps to follow in the overpayment appeal/waiver process.

    Type:
    Article
    Date:
    Dec, 2017