- Considering they are more likely that those without homelessness to have serious mental illness and cognitive, substance abuse, and other physical disorders, homeless people with cognitive and mental disabilities have greater difficulty of obtaining documentation for their medical histories. Inconsistent or complicated medial histories due to treatment in several place would make the process difficult.
- Many people who are homeless do not remember the conditions for their prior treatments.
- Many people do not know, understand, or do not want to admit that they have a mental illness.
Some believe that they already are receiving benefits when they are not.
- Many case managers do not the have the time and training to assist with their applications.

Barriers to SSI/SSDI Application Experienced by Homeless Individuals

Denials are often the result of the lack of the SSA’s ability to reach out to the applicant, missed appointments by the applicant, or a lack of necessary documentation during the application process.

University of Notre Dame

In 2009, ⅔+ of homeless adults had some disability or mental, substance abuse disorder. However, many adults who are diaabled and homeless qualify for SSI and or SSDI support, which would provide benefits that would help secure housing and get recipients necessary treatment. Though, despite being eligible, many people are homeless do not apply for SSI and SSDI Programs. There has been limited research on initiatives aimed at increasing access and benefits for people with disabilities who are homeless.

Disability and Homelessness

Dennis, D., Lassiter, M., Connelly, W. H., & Lupfer, K. S. (2011). Helping adults who are homeless gain disability benefits: The SSI/SSDI outreach, access, and recovery (SOAR) program. Psychiatric Services, 62(11), 1373–1376. https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.62.11.pss6211_1373

Helping Adults Who Are Homeless Gain Disability Benefits: The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Program

- Only 10-15% of first time applicants who do not receive active assistance in applying are approved.
- The national average for SSI/SSDI recipients between the ages of 18-64 years old is 32%, whether or not said individuals are homeless.

Statistics on SSI/SSDI Applicants

Barriers to SSI/SSDI Approval

SOAR is a federal effort established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help communities promote greater access to SSI and SSDI for adult with disabilites who are homeless (or at risk for homelessness). Starting in 2005, 41 states were invited to apply to SOAR, and by 2010 48 states plus the District of Columbia had received SOAR TA.

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