Library & Tools

Providing accurate work history information is absolutely vital to include in all SOAR applications. SSA uses this information to determine if the applicant is able to return to past work, or perform other work in the national economy. This webinar, the first in our "Completing Quality SOAR Applications" series, was held on April 25, 2018, and addressed strategies for obtaining accurate work history information. 

This webinar, held on Wednesday, October 17, 2023, featured members of the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center Staff who shared tips for getting started on your first SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI applications.

The second webinar in our "Completing Quality SOAR Applications" series was held on June 27, 2018 and focused on how to optimize medical records collection and approach SSA’s Listings of Impairments for expediting your SOAR claim.

On this webinar, held on June 18, 2020, we introduced our updated SOAR Appeals Toolkit and guest speakers offered practice tips on effectively representing SOAR applicants with appeals.

In this webinar, held on November 30, 2016, the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and SOAR leaders discussed working while applying for and receiving SSA benefits.

This webinar, held on October 24, 2018, was presented by the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center in partnership with the SAMHSA GAINS Center.  We explored how SOAR implementation in criminal justice settings can be a strong reentry tool to increase housing stability and promote post-release success.

For November's Native American Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the recent formation of SSA’s Office of Native American Partnerships and sharing resources focused on serving Native communities.

Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), provide essential income and health insurance that can facilitate access to housing and treatment for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. SSA is committed to expediting claims and quickly issuing payments for the most serious conditions and applicants in dire need. SOAR providers are trained to develop complete and comprehensive claims that help to naturally expedite SSA disability applications. When working with an applicant who is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, SOAR providers should be aware of the following SSA initiatives and practices.

An individual who is not a U.S. Citizen is potentially eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under certain circumstances described below. This resource is not exhaustive of all ways that a non-citizen may be eligible for SSI benefits. If there is any question about eligibility or other immigration issues, case managers should contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly.

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