Library & Tools

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) is an approach that helps states increase access to mainstream benefits for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness through strategic planning, training and technical assistance.

Understanding SSA's disability criteria helps the SOAR case manager assess the documentation necessary to support the claim of disability.

Connecting Veterans with Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits is a critical step to increasing income stability for Veterans and their families, as well as providing health insurance for those who may not qualify for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.

The National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives (NOSSCR) has compiled a list of the state statutes and regulations regarding the collection of fees for medical records.

The Listings are SSA’s categorized lists of illnesses and conditions and the specific severity criteria – symptoms, duration, and impairments – of each illness/condition that must be met for a person to be considered disabled by the illness/condition. It is helpful for case managers to become familiar with these requirements.

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.

The following stories were submitted with permission to the SOAR Technical Assistance Center in response to a call for examples of how Social Security disability benefits have changed the lives of people who were experiencing or at risk for homelessness.

This issue brief, developed by the SOAR TA Center, discusses the importance of connecting Veterans with SSA disability benefits how the SOAR model can help.

This issue brief, developed by the SOAR TA Center, discusses how SOAR’s intensive engagement process and holistic approach to applying for SSI and SSDI can benefit the vulnerable and difficult-to-serve population of transition age youth.

SOAR extends beyond accessing SSI/SSDI and also encourages employment as a means to increase individual income and further promote recovery. This issue brief explores Individual Placement and Support (IPS), a model of supported employment that has been developed over the past 25 years specifically for people who have behavioral health needs.