Library & Tools

Connecting Veterans with Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits is a critical step to increasing income stability for Veterans and their families, particularly for those Veterans whose work activity is limited by disabling conditions. The SOAR model helps individuals obtain SSA disability benefits while they are pursuing their vocational and housing goals through the GPD Program. 

On this webinar, held on January 25, 2022, panelists shared best practice examples on how they have incorporated their lived expertise into their SOAR work.

Sandy Mishkin, SOAR Specialist in New Mexico, shares her experience submitting her first SOAR-assisted SSI application for a child.

The SOAR TA Center has released the outcomes of SSI/SSDI applications submitted using the SOAR process from 2006 through June 30, 2021.

Kristin Lupfer, Project Director of the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, facilitated a workshop at the National Federation of Families' 2021 Virtual Conference titled, "Reducing Homelessness for Families, Children, and Youth with Disabilities Using the SOAR Model."

The SOAR model’s culturally-sensitive engagement process and holistic approach to SSI/SSDI application assistance can be a critical support for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) community members whether residing on or off reservations.

On this webinar, held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, experts in Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) and benefits planning shared how SOAR providers can help SSI/SSDI beneficiaries to access these services.

Highlighted below are some of the ways peers from around the country have incorporated their lived expertise into their SOAR work.

The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center is proud to debut a new resource guide on practical ways that SOAR can be integrated into the peer-certification process. 

Maryland has long had a SOAR certification process for those who have had at least four out of five SOAR cases approved. However, knowing just how much work goes into undertaking each and every SOAR application, this year they decided to expand how they recognize individuals’ efforts.