SOAR TA is provided to states at no charge. States do not receive federal funding for participation in the program, and beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI through SOAR do not have to pay an assistance fee.

SOAR Technical Assistance (TA)

- Of the 37 states chosen for the study, 37 report that of the 8,978 people who applied for SSI/SSDI benefits, 6,558 of initial applicants were approved (approval rate of 73%). 
- Average time of approval was 91 days.
- Data on individual and systemic outcomes show positive trends, such as the ability of the program to reach those who are chronically homeless.
- Ten states report 81% of applicants were housed by the time their benefits were approved.
- In areas with the highest allowance rates, case managers reported using the SSA-1696 Appointment of Representative form, which allows them to correspond with the SSA and act on the applicant’s behalf.

Results of Research on SOAR Effectiveness

The initiative highlights the need  for framing of application process as a collaborative, multilevel effort between communities to aid their most vulnerable members, as opposed to an isolated, individual effort. This will also allow for recovery from chronic homelessness.

Takeaways from SOAR Initiative

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.

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

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.

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