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After completing the SOAR Online Course, case workers implementing the SOAR model with SSI/SSDI applications should complete the following steps as part of a standard SOAR workflow. This process is a collaborative effort between the SOAR provider, the Social Security Administration (SSA), and Disability Determination Services (DDS) that enables SOAR case workers to complete the SSI/SSDI application process efficiently and effectively.

This guide presents common post-entitlement events that occur for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries and provides guidance for SOAR-trained case workers to assist SSI/SSDI beneficiaries with navigating these events to maintain eligibility. However, it is not exhaustive. SSI and SSDI post-entitlement events and rules are numerous, oftentimes complex in nature, and specific to a person’s circumstances.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding SSI/SSDI benefits for individuals in legal settings.

The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center has developed six custom SSI for Children information sheets that provide guidance for assisting with the child SSI application process.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) may ask the applicant to complete an SSA-821 Work Activity Report if he/she continued to work after the alleged date of onset. This article provides additional information and tips for assisting applicants with this form. 

The SSA-8001 is an abbreviated version of the SSA-8000: Application for Supplemental Security Income. While we discourage the use of the SSA-8001 in the SOAR model, this article contains helpful guidance for how to complete this form.

The SSA-8000 is the form used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to gather all the non-medical information for the SSI application.

The Work History Report (SSA-3369) helps Disability Determination Services (DDS) to obtain detailed vocational information about the jobs the applicant held in the 15 years prior to becoming unable to work due to his or her illnesses, injuries, or conditions.

The SSA-3368: Adult Disability Report helps DDS to obtain a complete picture of the applicant’s medical history and treatment. Complete information is essential. Be sure to include all information available to you.

SSDI is an insurance program. Therefore, no information about living arrangement or resources is required. Instead, the SSDI application will ask questions about past earnings and entitlement to other benefits. People over 18 years of age who have worked and contributed to the Social Security Trust or others who became disabled before the age of 22 whose parent is deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits may be eligible.