SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery and is a program for case managers to help assist in completing successful SSI and SSDI applications. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are disability income benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that also provide Medicaid and/or Medicare health insurance to eligible children and adults.
These programs are critical, but access to them is difficult. The application process is complicated and often difficult to navigate. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA (see attached overview flyer), only 30 percent of adults across the country who apply for these benefits get approved based on their initial application. For people without assistance who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness or who are returning from institutions such as jails, prisons or hospitals, that percentage is reduced to 10 to 15 percent. For those who have a serious mental illness, substance use issues, or other co-occurring disorders that impair cognition, the application process becomes even more difficult.
SAMHSA developed the SOAR model to meet this immediate need. Case managers who are SOAR-trained are able to complete applications that get quickly approved. We are thrilled to announce that our very first SOAR adult curriculum training cohort (details are included in the attached flyer and registration form) has begun! This will help members of our community and beyond to receive access to critical programs that can lead to financial assistance, better health, stable housing and more.
There will be another opportunity for those who are interested in SOAR training to join another cohort this year. This training is designed to work with you as you complete your SOAR training, so prior certification is not required. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to PATH Program Supervisor, Karisa Garner, QMHP, at Karisa.Garner@hotrmhmr.org.