SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) helps states and communities increase access to Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) benefits for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

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The techniques taught in the SOAR Online Course can improve the quality and completeness of any application for SSI/SSDI. The course is self-paced and you can begin at any time! The course features seven comprehensive classes, each of which has a series of articles, videos, and short quizzes. There is also an opportunity to apply knowledge by completing an SSI/SSDI application for a fictional applicant using information gathered via video interviews, medical records, and progress notes provided throughout the course. Individualized feedback on the practice case is provided by experts at the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center.

Since the program’s start in 2006, through community collaboration, partnerships with the Social Security Administration, the Disability Determination Services and medical providers, SOAR trained case managers have been able to successfully assist over 40,000 persons with access to Social Security disability benefits.  The income, health insurance, and work incentives provided with these benefits help end homelessness and provide a foundation for recovery. 

View the most recent SOAR outcomes and impact.