Library & Tools

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.

This issue brief, developed by the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, explores how SOAR collaborates with SSA and DDS, what roles each plays in a successful partnership, and the benefits to SSA and DDS of collaborating with state and local SOAR programs.

Here are the SSA forms, links, and other helpful resources you will need to complete SSI and/or SSDI applications.

Because SOAR is built on collaborations as well as training, the first step in starting a SOAR program is to bring key stakeholders together to agree upon and establish a SOAR Process and create a SOAR action plan. The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center can assist you every step of the way.

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

We’ve gathered examples of well-written, successful Medical Summary Reports (MSRs) from SOAR providers across the country for the SOAR community to use as extra guidance.

Here are examples of completed SSA and SOAR Forms using information from a fictitious SSI/SSDI applicant.

Learn more about our upcoming SOAR Leadership Academies!

This guide will help you complete an SSI/SSDI application using the SOAR model. You have 60 days from the protective filing date (PFD) to submit a complete application packet to the Social Security Administration (SSA). We encourage you to complete the process in less time as you are able.

On this webinar, held on July 20, 2017, the SOAR TA Center walked through two fantastic tools, loaded with strategies that can be easily replicated for collaborating with SSA and DDS.