SOAR

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery

About the Model | Six-Phase SOAR-Assisted SSI/SSDI Application Process | CCMTP SOAR Deliverables | Need Assistance? | Other Forms and Resources

SOAR is an initiative designed to increase access to Social Security Disability Benefits administered by the Social Security Administration for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

Colbert/Williams partners with Parkwyn Training & Consulting to support the SOAR initiative, please visit Parkwyn Training & Consulting for more information. Parkwyn SOAR trainees can also access resources at Parkywn's Training & Consulting Resource Page. Additional SOAR resources can be found on the Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA) SOAR webpage.

CCMTP procedures for supporting Class Members without income are outlined in the No Income Class Member Supports and Resources Document and policy P6.03 Serving Members with No Income, available in the WebApp library.

About the Model

Video: SAMHSA SOAR Overview

 

SOAR is a collaborative process that guides case workers to collect and submit relevant information for the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS).  The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two disability income benefit programs that can provide assistance, SSI and SSDI.

SSI/SSDI

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based program for adults or children who are blind, disabled, or elderly, with low income/resources
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Program for blind or disabled adults who are insured through employee and employer contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund

Barriers to Access

  • Many people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness also have disabling mental illnesses, co-occurring substance use, trauma, and/or other medical issues. Accessing the income and health care benefits that SSI/SSDI provides can be a critical first step on the road to recovery. However, their circumstances can impede access to these benefits.
    • SSA communicates mainly by mail, which is a challenge when one does not have a permanent, reliable address.
    • People who are experiencing homelessness often have sporadic medical care, making it difficult to access medical records to document disability.
    • Symptoms can interfere with cognitive functioning, making it difficult to navigate a complex system.

Six Phase SOAR-Assisted SSI/SSDI Application Process

In the SOAR model, the case worker gathers all materials and communicates with SSA and DDS. Using the Six-Phase SOAR Assisted SSI/SSDI Application Process, Overview Handout of the six-phase process located here. Case workers play a central role in gathering complete, targeted, and relevant information for SSA and DDS, resulting in high-quality SSI/SSDI applications.

Steps in the SOAR-Assisted SSI/SSDI Application Process

Phase 0: Prepare

All providers who intend to serve as an Appointed Representative for applicants they assist must register with SSA by faxing the SSA-1699: Representative Registration to SSA’s Office of Central Operations at 877-268-3827 (not your local field office). SSA will send a Representative ID# that must be placed on the SSA-1696: Appointment of Representative form (see Phase 4).

Phase 1: Identify

Identify potentially eligible individuals most in need of SOAR services.

Explore Potential Eligibility
  • Are they an adult experiencing or at risk of homelessness?
  • Do their symptoms and functional impairments meet the criteria in SSA’s Listing of Impairments?

Make initial assessment based on: Observable symptoms and medical records shared by referral source that document diagnoses and symptoms. You may need to request recent treatment records (see Phase 3) or arrange an assessment before proceeding.

Determine Application History

If the applicant is unsure whether they have any prior or pending applications, call SSA with the applicant present at 1-800-772-1213. Alternatively, you can submit the SSA 3288: Consent for Release of Information to the local SSA field office to obtain this information.

Phase 2: Initiate

Initiate the process by completing an intake and setting the Protective Filing Date (PFD).

Intake

Complete an intake meeting to gather preliminary details (identifying and contact information, diagnoses, work history, last date of work, treatment providers, etc.). Schedule weekly meetings with the applicant before the end of the intake meeting.

Set the Protective Filing Date (PFD)

Establish the PFD by initiating the Online Disability Benefits Application.

  • Go to https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityonline
  • Agree to the Benefits Application Terms of Service.
  • Choose “Start a New Application.”
  • You will need to answer the question “Who is Completing This Application?.” If applicant is with you, choose “I am applying for myself.” The applicant will be prompted to sign in or create their my Social Security account. If the applicant is not with you or cannot create a my Social Security account, you can still utilize the Online Application. Choose “I am helping someone who is not with me…” and answer some questions about the applicant and their disabling conditions. SSA will follow up after the application is submitted for identity verification.
  • After providing basic identifying information about the applicant and yourself as the “Preparer,” a re-entry number will be assigned. Do not proceed past this screen until you are prepared to submit the complete application packet (Phase 5). Print the webpage AND write down the re-entry number. You will not be able to get back into the application without it! Choose “Save & Exit.”

You now have 60 days to complete and submit the application.

Phase 3: Investigate

Investigate! Gather information and observations via engagement and medical records collection.

Meet with the Applicant and Collateral Sources

Meet with the applicant weekly if possible. Every meeting is an opportunity to gather information and make observations! Have the applicant sign your agency’s release of information for each collateral source that may have helpful information (friends, family, service providers, employers, etc.). Connect with collateral sources to discover more about the applicant’s symptoms and functioning.

Gather Medical Evidence

Request treatment records from two years prior to the onset of disability (date last earned Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)) and any older records that may have information supporting the onset of the applicant’s symptoms.

Send a medical records request packet to each treatment source. This includes:

Follow up weekly for any records not yet received. Review records received to confirm that diagnoses, symptoms, and functional impairments correspond with SSA’s Listing of Impairments and to determine whether additional information or assessments are needed. If applicant has a mental health diagnosis, schedule a Mental Status Exam (MSE). DDS will need records from an MSE performed within the past 90 days.

Phase 4: Develop

Develop the claim by thoroughly completing SSA forms and writing the Functional Assessment Statement (FAST).

SSA Forms

Complete these forms as worksheets to prepare for completion of the Online Disability Benefits Application:

Hard copies of these forms will be submitted to SSA as part of the paper application packet (sign in blue ink to distinguish as originals):

Functional Assessment Statement (FAST)

As you gather information from the applicant, collateral sources, and medical records, enter details into the relevant sections of the FAST Template. Once complete, send the FAST to your supervisor, a colleague, or PTC for review. Send the final FAST to the applicant’s treatment provider for review and a co-signature.

Plan for at least a one-week turnaround time for obtaining a co-signature.

Phase 5: Submit

Submit the Online Disability Benefits Application; paper application packet to SSA; Medical Records and FAST to DDS.

Determine Submission Method

At least 1-2 weeks before the 60-day deadline (or earlier if you’re ready!) reach out to your local SSA office to ask how they prefer to receive the paper application packet (e.g., mail, fax, drop box, or in person). Schedule an appointment if needed (the applicant need not attend).

Complete and Submit the Online Disability Benefits Application

1-2 days before you plan to submit the paper application packet:

  • Go to https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityonline.
  • Agree to the Benefits Application Terms of Service.
  • Choose “Return to Saved Application Process.”
  • Enter the applicant’s SSN and the re-entry number you received when you set the PFD.
  • Complete all three parts of the online application: Part 1: Background Information (collected on the SSA-16), Part 2: Disability Information (collected on the SSA-3368), and Part 3: Electronically sign the Medical Release (e827). The applicant must click on any Electronic Signature Agreements.
  • In Remarks sections, enter as applicable: “Applicant is [experiencing/at risk of] homelessness and needed my assistance to complete this application due to symptoms of [diagnosis]. [Your contact information].”
Submit the Paper Application Packet

No more than 2 days after submitting the Online Disability Benefits Application, submit the paper application packet to your local SSA field office (via their preferred method):

  • SSI/SSDI Application Packet Cover Sheet
  • SSA-827: Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration
  • SSA-1696: Appointment of Representative
  • SSA-8000: Application for Supplemental Security Income

Submitting a completed form in lieu of an applicant interview may need to be negotiated with your local SSA office.

DDS may request additional forms (see Post-Application Events). Many providers submit these forms to SSA as part of the paper application packet.

Follow Up with SSA

Identify the assigned SSA claims representative and regularly check in (at least once per week) to ask if there is any other information they need or any way you can assist.

Submit Medical Records and FAST to DDS

Once SSA has made a non-medical determination and transferred the claim to DDS, identify the adjudicator (you should receive a letter with their name/contact information or SSA can share this with you).

Submit via mail or Electronic Records Express (ERE):
• Bar-coded cover sheet provided by DDS
• All medical records in chronological order to DDS
• Functional Assessment Statement (FAST)

Follow Up with DDS

Reach out often to offer support such as providing updated/additional medical evidence, completing and returning any additional forms, etc.

Post-Application Events

• It is very common to quickly receive the SSDI denial (due to lack of work history) while the SSI application is still in progress.
• DDS may request additional forms

• DDS may request a Consultative Exam (CE).

  • Contact DDS to ask what additional medical evidence is needed.
  • If possible, obtain assessments with the applicant’s doctors and submit the records to DDS. Otherwise, facilitate the applicant’s attendance to the CE.

Phase 6: Support

Support the applicant post-decision.

SSA will mail a decision letter to the applicant and their Appointed Representative (e.g., SOAR provider).

Post-Approval

If the applicant has provided bank account information, the benefits will go into pay status, and benefits will be received via direct deposit.

Preeffectuation Review Contact (PERC) Appointment

If the applicant does not have a bank account, SSA will schedule a PERC appointment to set up payments. SSA may also need to verify non-medical documentation, (e.g., lease, birth certificate, pay stubs), before payments begin. If SSA determines that the applicant requires a Representative Payee to help manage their benefits, the applicant and the payee must attend the PERC or another in-person appointment to set up payee arrangements. You can assist by gathering any needed documentation and accompanying the beneficiary to the appointment.

Employment and Other Supports

Income is one step on the road to recovery. The beneficiary may need continued support to obtain housing, access health care, or navigate employment, etc. There will also be continuing interactions with SSA, (e.g., reporting responsibilities, Continuing Disability Reviews, etc.). Determine whether you can continue to support beneficiaries with these matters. If you are unable to assist, facilitate a warm handoff to providers who can ensure post-benefit success.

Post-Denial

Discuss with the applicant whether they would like to request a reconsideration or file a new claim. Reconsideration requests must be filed within 60 days of receipt of the denial letter. If you don’t provide these services, refer to another agency/Legal Aid.

Track Outcomes

Strong SOAR outcomes can result in additional funding! Track approvals/denials on all your SOAR-assisted/complete SSI/SSDI applications! It is helpful to also track application/decision dates, details about the applicant’s employment/housing status, benefit/backpay amounts, etc.

To be considered “SOAR-assisted,” the applicant must be experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and the provider must have submitted the SSA-1696, collected and submitted medical records, and written and submitted a FAST. Inquire how your state/community plans to track outcomes.

 

CCMTP SOAR Deliverables

Implementing SOAR Services in the CCMTP

The CCMTP policy addressing required deliverables is Policy P6.03 Serving Members with No Income. This policy is accessible via the WebApp. Once a CCMTP Class Member is identified as having no income, the Prime Agency must explore available options for income applicable for the Class Member. This may include full or part time employment, Family support, Veteran’s benefits Retirement benefits, Pension, or Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). The Prime Agency must identify SOAR staff that will engage Class Members without income and/or SOAR services when this is the most appropriate potential source of income for Class Members. Prime Agencies will complete and submit a monthly dashboard tracking all the Class Members they are serving who do not yet have income.

Tools and resources related to CCMTP SOAR deliverables:

Need Assistance?

Social Security Administration

Legal Aid

  • Contact a Legal Aid provider in your area.
    • The American Bar Association can help you locate the bar association for lawyers in your state using their Bar Directories and Lawyer Finder
    • National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR): NOSSCR Provides referrals to attorneys and non-attorney representatives in your local area. Lawyer Referral Service Phone: 800-431-2804. Email: nosscr@nosscr.org
    • National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR): NADR provides referrals to attorneys and non-attorney representatives in your local area, which you can access on their Find A Representative webpage. Phone: 1-800-747-6131
    • State or Local Legal Aid: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) provides information about LSC-funded state or local legal aid agencies, which you can access on their Find Legal Aid webpage. Phone: 1-202-295-1500. Law Help helps people find free legal aid programs in their communities
    • Law School Legal Clinics: There are Law Schools in your community, search to see if they offer legal clinics with supervised law students.

Other Forms and Resources

Employment

Other

SSA Forms

Link to SSA Forms Page. Providers can search by form name or number to quickly find and access the most up-to-date version.