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The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two federally-funded disability income benefit programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). There are important similarities and differences between these two programs.

How substance use is considered in the disability determination process has changed substantially over the years. This article dispels several widely-held myths about how DDS views substance use (such as you have to be clean and sober to get benefits), and its impact on the application process.

The SOAR TA Center encourages the use of a great service offered by the Social Security Administration, my Social Security

Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), provide essential income and health insurance that can facilitate access to housing and treatment for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. SSA is committed to expediting claims and quickly issuing payments for the most serious conditions and applicants in dire need. SOAR providers are trained to develop complete and comprehensive claims that help to naturally expedite SSA disability applications. When working with an applicant who is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, SOAR providers should be aware of the following SSA initiatives and practices.

An SSA ruling clarifies existing regulations which require that claimants and/or their authorized attorney or non-attorney representatives inform SSA about, or submit all evidence known to them that relates to their disability claim. This article will discuss the purpose of the ruling, outline key requirements, and present a few scenarios which a SOAR practitioner may encounter.

There are multiple levels of quality review at both the SSA and DDS. It is important to understand how those quality review procedures have the potential to affect the applicants with whom you are working.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out automatic letters to applicants during the SSI/SSDI application process. To prevent unnecessary distress for applicants, we recommend letting applicants know that they may receive these notices shortly after applying.

Documenting substance use for an application is not just about finding out how much the person uses or how often.

Understanding SSA's disability criteria helps the SOAR case manager assess the documentation necessary to support the claim of disability.

This graphic provides an overview of how SSA and DDS process disability benefit applications.