Library & Tools

Adapting and managing oneself refers to the abilities to regulate emotions, control behavior, and maintain well-being in a work setting. This article contains key criteria that DDS will assess, tips on gathering information, and examples of functional descriptions.

Here is guidance on assisting beneficiaries with completing the SSA-455: Disability Update Report.

SSI/SSDI overpayments may cause undue hardship for beneficiaries who are experiencing or at-risk for homelessness. This article provides tips for avoiding overpayments and steps to follow in the overpayment appeal/waiver process.

SOAR seeks to increase access to Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. To achieve this goal, collaborations with SSA and the Disability Determination Services (DDS) are absolutely essential. SOAR can provide invaluable assistance to both SSA and DDS and, similarly, SSA and DDS can help to streamline the process for SOAR providers and for the applicants they both serve.

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 area of mental functioning refers to the abilities to focus attention on work activities and stay on task at a sustained rate. This article contains key criteria that DDS will assess, tips on gathering information, and examples of functional descriptions.

Here are some FAQs about Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR).

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.

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.

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