SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR)

 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are disability income benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that generally also provide either Medicaid and/or Medicare health insurance to individuals who are eligible. For people that are homeless with physical disabilities and/or mental health problems that impair cognition, or who are returning to the community from institutions (jails, prisons or hospitals) access to these programs can be extraordinarily challenging. However, accessing these income and health care benefits is often a critical first step on the road to recovery.

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a national project funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that is designed to increase access to SSI/SSDI for eligible adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder. SOAR was developed and launched by Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA). PRA provides training and technical assistance for the 48 states that have implemented SOAR.

COHHIO serves as the SOAR state lead for Ohio, providing a 3-pronged approach of Strategic Planning, Training, and Technical Assistance (TA). SOAR trainings offer:

  • An in-depth, step-by-step explanation of the SSI/SSDI application and disability determination process
  • Strategies for working with homeless persons with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders – only a fraction of this population receives the benefits to which they are entitled
  • Exercises and worksheets provide practical application tools
  • Release-of-information samples, sample reports, letters, assessment forms, SSA forms with explanations

For general information on SOAR or details on bringing a SOAR training to your community please email Raven Oglesby at ravenbias@cohhio.org

 

Upcoming Ohio SOAR Trainings:

· Check back soon!

SOAR Success Stories:

· New! Cleveland

National SOAR Statistics:

· 2010