Expediting Access to Social Security Disability Benefits for

People Experiencing Homelessness: SAMHSA's

SOAR ProgramJen Elder, M.Sc.

SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance CenterPolicy Research Associates, Inc.

Presenter Disclosure The following personal financial

relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months:

No relationships to disclose

SOAR Technical Assistance Initiative

SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery

Focus is on people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with the Social Security Administration (SSA) since 2005

All 50 states currently participate; no direct funding provided to states

The Challenge

Only about 10-15 percent of homeless adults are approved on initial application

Only 29 percent of all applicants are approved on initial application

Appeals can take a year or more Many people give up and do not

appeal

What We Know Is Possible… As of June 2012, 48 states reported outcomes:

More than 15,025 individuals were approved for SSI/SSDI on initial application

66% approval rate on average, in an average of 98 days

In 2012 alone, SSI/SSDI brought at least $142 million into the state and local economies of these states

$9,093 Medicaid reimbursement per SSI approved application

The SOAR Model Establish a process for filing SSI/SSDI

applications with Social Security In-person or online training on how to

document disability Case managers actively assist

applicants and develop evidence Submit a comprehensive and complete

SSI/SSDI application Reduces Consultative Exams and appeals

SOAR Best Practices Utilize strategic planning meeting to

build collaboration among stakeholders Identify local leadership and create a

steering committee Establish dedicated SOAR benefit

specialist positions Ensure quality review of applications Track and report outcomes

Funding and Sustainability Projects for Assistance in Transition

from Homelessness (PATH) AmeriCorps State/VISTA programs Hospital collaborations Foundation/private funding

The Affordable Care Act and SOAR The Affordable Care Act only provides

access to Medicaid Income supports are critical for safe and

stable housing, which in turn lead to better health outcomes

Combine Medicaid enrollment and SOAR outreach efforts

Incorporate SOAR case managers into Health Homes and partner with Community Navigators

The Future of SOAR Bring SOAR to new communities

Online curriculum will help us reach rural and underserved areas

Increase outreach to organizations serving veterans

Expand SOAR in reentry efforts to prevent homelessness upon release from incarceration

Partner with housing initiatives

Get Involved with SOAR

www.prainc.com/soar

For More Information

Presented by:

Jen Elder, M.Sc.Senior Project Associate

SAMHSA’s SOAR Technical Assistance Center

Policy Research Associates, Inc.518-439-7415

soar@prainc.com