Library & Tools

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.

Tracking SOAR outcomes is a critical way to document successes and to target technical assistance needs. Using the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) program, case workers can easily enter application outcome data and generate reports to use for local sustainability efforts.

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.

Highlighted below are some of the ways peers from around the country have incorporated their lived expertise into their SOAR work.

In this webinar, held on November 30, 2016, the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and SOAR leaders discussed working while applying for and receiving SSA benefits.

Providing accurate work history information is absolutely vital to include in all SOAR applications. SSA uses this information to determine if the applicant is able to return to past work, or perform other work in the national economy. This webinar, the first in our "Completing Quality SOAR Applications" series, was held on April 25, 2018, and addressed strategies for obtaining accurate work history information. 

On this webinar, held on October 29, 2020, we discussed SSA Work Incentives and other employment resources, busted some myths surrounding working while applying for and receiving benefits, and presented an updated issue brief from the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center.

On this webinar, held on October 12, 2016, the SOAR TA Center and SOAR leaders discussed the challenges and successes implementing and sustaining SOAR in their rural areas.

On this webinar, held on January 25, 2018, the SOAR TA Center and successful local and state SOAR leaders shared tips, tools, and strategies to help keep your SOAR program successful and sustaining.

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.