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.

The SOAR Online Course provides a unique alternative to in-person trainings. There is no cost for this program.

Because SOAR is built on collaborations as well as training, the first step in starting a SOAR program is to bring key community partners 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.

In May 2016, Frontiers in Public Health published an evaluation of the SOAR online training model, which assessed SOAR Online Course usage from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015. The study focused on the unique integration of a practice SSI/SSDI application into the training, the first of its kind in public health online trainings, and the support provided by local and state SOAR leads.

Here is some helpful information if you are having trouble filling out and saving the SSA forms for the SOAR Online Course.

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!

Throughout the SOAR Online Course there are several videos for you to view. Here are a few options for viewing these videos, as well as some troubleshooting tips.