Expediting Access to Social Security Disability Benefits for

Expediting Access to Social Security Disability Benefits for People Experiencing Homelessness: SAMHSA's SOAR Program Jen Elder, M. Sc. SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center Policy Research Associates, Inc.

Presenter Disclosure The following personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months: No relationships to disclose

SOAR Technical Assistance Initiative SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery Focus is on people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with the Social Security Administration (SSA) since 2005 All 50 states currently participate; no direct funding provided to states

The Challenge Only about 10 -15 percent of homeless adults are approved on initial application Only 29 percent of all applicants are approved on initial application Appeals can take a year or more Many people give up and do not appeal

What We Know Is Possible… As of June 2012, 48 states reported outcomes: More than 15, 025 individuals were approved for SSI/SSDI on initial application 66% approval rate on average, in an average of 98 days In 2012 alone, SSI/SSDI brought at least $142 million into the state and local economies of these states $9, 093 Medicaid reimbursement per SSI approved application

The SOAR Model Establish a process for filing SSI/SSDI applications with Social Security In-person or online training on how to document disability Case managers actively assist applicants and develop evidence Submit a comprehensive and complete SSI/SSDI application Reduces Consultative Exams and appeals

SOAR Best Practices Utilize strategic planning meeting to build collaboration among stakeholders Identify local leadership and create a steering committee Establish dedicated SOAR benefit specialist positions Ensure quality review of applications Track and report outcomes

Funding and Sustainability Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Ameri. Corps State/VISTA programs Hospital collaborations Foundation/private funding

The Affordable Care Act and SOAR The Affordable Care Act only provides access to Medicaid Income supports are critical for safe and stable housing, which in turn lead to better health outcomes Combine Medicaid enrollment and SOAR outreach efforts Incorporate SOAR case managers into Health Homes and partner with Community Navigators

The Future of SOAR Bring SOAR to new communities Online curriculum will help us reach rural and underserved areas Increase outreach to organizations serving veterans Expand SOAR in reentry efforts to prevent homelessness upon release from incarceration Partner with housing initiatives

Get Involved with SOAR www. prainc. com/soar

For More Information Presented by: Jen Elder, M. Sc. Senior Project Associate SAMHSA’s SOAR Technical Assistance Center Policy Research Associates, Inc. 518 -439 -7415 soar@prainc. com