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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here are five practical tips that may help SOAR providers establish stronger and more successful working relationships with their state DDS.

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

This infographic provides a simple flowchart for how to best contact your local SSA office.

Interact with others refers to the abilities to relate to and work with supervisors, co-workers, and the public. This article contains key criteria that DDS will assess, tips on gathering information, and examples of functional descriptions.