Library & Tools

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.

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

The Medical Summary Report (MSR) is SOAR’s signature tool and key to a successful application. It provides a succinct, comprehensive summary of the applicant’s personal and treatment history and its impact on his or her life. It also clearly describes the factors affecting functioning and ability to work.

SOAR programs must consider how implicit biases may contribute to disparities in how SOAR services are accessed by and delivered to diverse groups. From hiring and supporting staff to identifying eligible SOAR applicants to writing a Medical Summary Report (MSR), there are many ways to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in SSI/SSDI application assistance while creating work environments where SOAR providers can thrive.

Learn more about our upcoming SOAR Leadership Academies!

The SOAR Recertification Process aims to ensure that case workers who passed the SOAR Online Course more than one year ago but have not yet utilized the SOAR model to assist with SSI/SSDI applications are refreshed on the process. It also offers an opportunity for SOAR practitioners to verify their involvement with and knowledge of SOAR without having to complete the SOAR Online Course multiple times or on a yearly basis.

This toolkit will help you to develop a SOAR referral process for your community or agency that helps ensure that potentially eligible individuals are connected with SOAR-trained providers who are available to assist.

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.

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