Library & Tools

An SSA ruling clarifies existing regulations which require that claimants and/or their authorized attorney or non-attorney representatives inform SSA about, or submit all evidence known to them that relates to their disability claim. This article will discuss the purpose of the ruling, outline key requirements, and present a few scenarios which a SOAR practitioner may encounter.

The Program Operations Manual System (POMS) is a resource used by Social Security employees to process claims for Social Security benefits. It provides detailed instructions and guidance on various aspects of benefit administration. Here we review POMS DI 25020.010-Mental Limitations.

SSA is now evaluating the long-term effects of COVID-19 when determining disability. On April 16, 2021, SSA issued an Emergency Message (EM) with guidance to its employees for evaluating adult disability cases that include an allegation or diagnosis of COVID-19. Here are the key points of the EM as well as tips for SOAR practitioners to effectively represent SSI/SSDI applicants whose functioning is impacted by COVID-19.

This webinar, held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in partnership with HIAS walks participants through SSI eligibility and how the Social Security Administration makes a decision on SSI claims for noncitizens with disabilities. It will also describe the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model and how staff can get involved with SOAR initiatives in their state. 

Find up-to-date information on the rates that SSA sets annually.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.