Library & Tools

SOAR programs must consider how implicit biases may contribute to disparities in how SOAR services are accessed by and delivered to diverse groups. From hiring and supporting staff to identifying eligible SOAR applicants to writing a Medical Summary Report (MSR), there are many ways to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in SSI/SSDI application assistance while creating work environments where SOAR providers can thrive.

This webinar, held on August 23, 2023, addressed the concept of “materiality” and how to demonstrate to DDS that past or ongoing substance use is not material to a finding of disability

This toolkit will help you to develop a SOAR referral process for your community or agency that helps ensure that potentially eligible individuals are connected with SOAR-trained providers who are available to assist.

Understanding the Social Security Administration’s evaluation criteria for SSI/SSDI applications involving co-occurring disorders is critical to providing effective representation.

On this webinar, held on May 24, 2022, we discussed implementing a referral process to ensure equitable access to SOAR services.

The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center has worked to address the barriers to equity in SOAR implementation with the development of resources, tools, and training. On this webinar, held on March 24, 2022, SOAR Leaders discussed how these resources have been used in their agencies.

State and Local Leads spearhead and coordinate the implementation of SOAR initiatives. These leaders identify and engage stakeholders to participate in steering committees whose goal is to create and implement a SOAR action plan and process for adult SSI/SSDI and/or child SSI application submission. These committees meet regularly to collaborate, report on progress, and troubleshoot challenges.

Charles H. Houston was the lawyer that challenged Congress to amend the exclusion of agricultural and domestic workers from the retirement benefits and unemployment insurance provided by the Social Security Act of 1935.

This guide presents common post-entitlement events that occur for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries and provides guidance for SOAR-trained case workers to assist SSI/SSDI beneficiaries with navigating these events to maintain eligibility. However, it is not exhaustive. SSI and SSDI post-entitlement events and rules are numerous, oftentimes complex in nature, and specific to a person’s circumstances.

The following resources have been created and/or revised to provide guidance and action steps that SOAR providers can implement in SOAR service delivery as well as resources that supervisors are encouraged to use to support them.