article About the Model: SOAR

SSI/SSDI

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two programs that provide income benefits to those who have disabling conditions that impede their functioning and impact their ability to work.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based program for adults or children who are blind, disabled, or elderly, with low income/resources
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Program for blind or disabled adults who are insured through employee and employer contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund
• In most states, Medicaid and/or Medicare health insurance accompany these benefits.

Barriers to Access

Many people who are homless or at risk of homelessness also have disabling mental illnesses, co-occurring substance use, trauma, and/or other medical issues. Accessing the income and health care benefits that SSI/SSDI provides can be a critical first step on the road to recovery. However, their circumstances can impede access to these benefits.

• SSA communicates mainly by mail, which is a challenge when one does not have a permanent, reliable address.
• People who are homeless often have sporadic medical care, making it difficult to access medical records to document disability.
• Symptoms can interfere with cognitive functioning, making it difficult to navigate a complex system.

SOAR Works to Overcome These Barriers

• Case workers learn how to effectively gather documentation and submit a complete and thorough SSI/SSDI application packet to SSA. 
• States, communities, and agencies collaborate with stakeholders and agree on a SOAR Process that supports SOAR-trained caseworkers and establishes protocols for the submission and processing of SSI/SSDI applications.
• State & Local SOAR Team Leaders support SOAR-trained case workers and keep community partners engaged.