Library & Tools

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.

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Article

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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.

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Article

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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.

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Article

Yes
What Medical Providers Need to Know About SOAR

What do medical providers need to know about SOAR and the Medical Summary Report?

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Article

Yes
SOAR Webinar: Writing Effective Medical Summary Reports (MSRs)

On this webinar, held on August 15, 2024, the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center shared tips for writing effective MSRs.

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Webinars
SOAR Webinar: Yes, You Can Work! Maximizing Income Through Competitive Employment

This webinar, held on June 13, 2024, focused on competitive employment opportunities for SSI/SSDI applicants and beneficiaries.

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Webinars
SOAR Webinar: Building SOAR Collaborations with Medical Providers

This webinar, held on March 8, 2023, spotlighted successful collaborations between SOAR practitioners and medical providers.

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Webinars
SOAR Webinar: Peer Support Specialists: A Critical Component for SOAR Programs

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.

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Webinars
SOAR Webinar: Employment Supports and Benefits Planning for SOAR Beneficiaries

On this webinar, held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, experts in Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) and benefits planning shared how SOAR providers can help SSI/SSDI beneficiaries to access these services.

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Webinar
SOAR Webinar: SOARing to Employment with SSA Work Incentives and Benefits Planning

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.

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Webinar
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.

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Article
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.

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Infographic