SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)

SOAR is an approach designed to facilitate the preparation, submission, and approval of Social Security Insurance/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) applications. The approach includes training for case managers, development of clear procedures, and technical assistance for participating agencies to facilitate the preparation and submission and improve the accuracy of SSI/SSDI applications.

For more information on this intervention, see this resource:

• SOAR, PRA

Local Examples

Fulton County, GA Fulton County Jail

• A SOAR pilot project was implemented in the Fulton County Jail, initiated by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
• Behavioral health staff were given jail access cards to work with potential applicants.
• These staff received referrals for said applicants from the public defender's office, interviewed potential applicants, completed SSI/SSDI applications, and delivered them to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

For more information on this example, see these resources:

• Best Practices for Increasing Access to SSI/SSDI upon Exiting Criminal Justice Settings, page 5
• Critical Connections, page 50

Miami-Dade County, FL Eleventh Judicial Circuit Criminal Mental Health Project (CMHP)

• Through the SOAR Entitlement Unit Program, CMHP staff is trained in the SOAR approach and has developed a strong partnership with SSA to expedite approvals for benefits.
• CMHP staff screen all participants for SSI/SSDI eligibility and maintain relationships with community providers to keep them informed of participants' access to benefits.
• Staff assist program participants that are likely to be eligible for SSA benefits through the application process and receive approval for 90 percent of initial applications within 40 days.

For more information on this example, see these resources:

• Best Practices for Increasing Access to SSI/SSDI upon Exiting Criminal Justice Settings, page 4
• Program Description - Eleventh Judicial Circuit Criminal Mental Health Project (CMHP)
• Mental Health and Criminal Justice Case Study: Miami-Dade County, Fla.