Library & Tools

Learn more about the impact of Unemployment Insurance and Economic Impact (Stimulus) Payments on SSI/SSDI benefits.

When employers recognize the value of SOAR case workers and coordinators by offering them equitable salaries, the benefits go beyond the individual case worker.

The Social Security Administration now offers a video option for Administrative Law Judge appeal hearings.

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.

In an effort to better identify appropriate SOAR claimants, identifying claims which are more likely to have a favorable outcome is paramount. Social Security has developed Special Medical Vocational Profiles, which are rare combinations of adversities that combine, along with impairments, to result in a finding of disabled. 

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. 

Highlighted below are some of the ways peers from around the country 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.

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. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs encourages Veteran Health Administration (VHA) employees to utilize the SOAR model when assisting Veterans to apply for SSI/SSDI.