The SOAR Program

SSI/SSDI
Outreach
Access and
Recovery

The primary goal of SOAR is to increase the receipt of SSI/SSDI among people experiencing long-term homelessness, especially for those who have mental illnesses or co-occurring substance use disorders.

Stepping Stones to Recovery Training

A 2-day training for case managers assisting adults who are homeless with Social Security disability and supplemental security income applications.  Access SSI/SSDI Benefits for Your Clients Quickly!  Call 421-6458 for dates and times.

Workshop Highlights

  • 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.

How this model is different:

  • Case managers actively assist applicants.
  • Focuses on the initial application – “Get it right the first time!” – and avoids appeals.
  • Emphasis is on documenting disabilities to reduce need for consultative exams.
  • Leads to savings – the San Francisco Department of Public Health estimates SSI outreach saves $27 million annually in recouped Medicaid and State-funded General Assistance alone.
  • It works! Approvals on initial application range from 60-95% – twice the national average for ALL applicants.
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