Library & Tools

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.

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

State-specific Medicaid waivers can help expand access to services for children with disabilities.

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

Here is some guidance from the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center and the Social Security Administration for gathering information about and documenting Long COVID for SSI/SSDI applications.

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

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an occasion to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and elevate awareness of the issues they face and the resources that can help. In recognition of the occasion, we’re sharing a SOAR success story sent in by Lauren Rodriguez from the SAFE Alliance in Austin, Texas.

Allison participated in the First Application Cohort facilitated by the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center. This was her first application and approval.

This guidance document is a supplement to the Medical Summary Report Interview Guide and Template. It provides important considerations when working with individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing. It includes helpful information about hearing loss, Deaf culture, and important accommodations. Finally, it includes sample questions that may be helpful in your interview.

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