SOAR: SSI/SSDI outreach, access, and recovery

What Is SOAR? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) / Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) is a strategy to help states and communities increase access to SSI/SSDI benefits for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and diagnosed with a severe mental illness.

SOAR APPLICATION

HOMELESS ID APPLICATIONS

SEARCH SOAR AGENCIES

Questions? Contact:

Yvette Hynson

Certified SOAR Case Specialist
Yhynson@midshorebehavioralhealth.org
(410)770-4801 ext 312

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

– Are you over the age of 18
– Have you been diagnosed with a severe mental illness?
– Do you need income assistance
– Are you homeless or at risk of being homeless?

If so, you may be eligible to apply for disability benefits through SOAR.

Program DETAILS

For people who are homeless or who are returning to the community from institutions (jails, prisons, or hospitals), access to these programs can be extremely challenging. Approval for initial applications for people who are homeless and who have no one to assist them is about 10-15%. For those who have a mental illness, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders that impair cognition, the application process is even more difficult – yet accessing these benefits is often a critical first step in recovery.

BENEFITS

2016 approval rate on initial SOAR applications averages 67% in an average of 101 days (from date of application submission to decision date).
In 2016 alone SSI/SSDI brought at least 317,641,152 into the state and local economy of participating states and localities.
SOAR can provide a steady source of income and health insurance for people with mental illness who are experiencing homelessness. This makes it possible for many to secure housing, treatment, and other needed supports.

HOMELESS ID PROGRAM

We provide funding for birth certificates and/or State Identification/Driver’s License for individuals experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless and have a mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorder.