SOAR and Consumer-Run Organizations: Informational Call!

1. SOAR and Consumer-Run Organizations: Informational Call! Presented BY: SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center Policy Research Associates, Inc. Under Contract TO: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

2. Introductions • SOAR Technical Assistance Center Team • Call Participants • Please tell us: • Your name and work location • What are you hoping to learn about today?

3. SOAR • SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery • For people who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness • Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with SSA since 2005 • All 50 states currently participate; no direct funding provided to states

4. SOAR Partners

5. SSI & SSDI: The Basics

6. Application Process

7. Definition of Disability 1. Medically Determinable Physical or Mental impairment • Illness must either meet or be equivalent to the “listing” criteria used by DDS. Supporting information must be documented in medical records 2. Duration • The impairment tied to the illness(es) must have lasted OR be expected to last 12 months or more OR be expected to result in death 3. Functional Information • Applicants must demonstrate that significant functional impairment related to the illness(es) exists that impede their ability to work

8. Why is SSI/SSDI Important for Individuals? • SSA disability benefits can provide access to: • Income • Housing • Health Insurance • Treatment • Other supportive services • For people with disabilities, SSI/SSDI can be a critical step towards ending homelessness and promoting recovery

9. Why is Access to SSI/SSDI Important for States & Localities? • People experiencing homelessness are frequent users of expensive uncompensated health care • Can recoup cost of this care from Medicaid for up to 90 days retroactive to date of SSI eligibility • States and localities can recoup from SSA the cost of public assistance provided during the application process • SSI, SSDI and Medicaid bring federal dollars into states, localities and community programs

10. The Challenge • Limited resources • Limited time • A lot of people need our help • Applications involving mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders are complicated

11. The SOAR Applicant Who can be helped by SOAR? • Adults who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness • And who have mental illness, co-occurring disorders or other physical disabilities Who is considered “homeless”? • Moving from place to place throughout the month • Living “doubled-up” • Living in uninhabitable housing, outside or in shelters Who is considered “at-risk for homelessness”? • Living in unstable or non-permanent housing • Exiting jails or prisons with no stable place to live • Permanent housing for those recently experiencing homelessness with limited income or relying on grant funding to sustain housing • Youth transitioning out of foster care

12. Critical Components • Serving as the appointed representative • Collecting and submitting medical records • Electronically submitting applications and medical evidence whenever possible • Collaborating with physicians for assessments and medical information • Collaborating with SSA and DDS • Submitting a Medical Summary Report

13. Changing Lives Since 2005

14. Efficient and Effective • Processing Time • 94 days vs. 110 days

15. Funding SOAR Programs • There is no dedicated source of federal funding for SOAR programs • Yet, all 50 states participate! • Reallocating existing resources • Securing funding through federal and state grants and foundation funding • Establishing collaborations with hospitals and criminal justice settings

16. SOAR Online! • Offers standardized training • Expands SOAR to new geographic areas and audiences • Practice application packet requirement limits involvement to those most likely to complete applications • Allows state and local SOAR leads and trainers to: • Coordinate follow-up training on state-specific processes • Provide support to persons assisting with applications • Ensure high quality and complete applications • Track and monitor outcomes

17. SOAR Technical Assistance Center • SAMHSA funds the SOAR TA Center to support states and communities • Offers virtual and on-site technical assistance • SOAR TA Liaisons are responsible for SOAR in multiple states • Get to know your SOAR TA Liaison • Reach out for help or answers to questions about any aspect of SOAR

18. Visit the SOAR Website!https://soarworks.prainc.com

19. More Information! • Archived Webinar: Peer Supports and Your SOAR Program: • http://soarworks.prainc.com/article/peer-supports-and-your-soar-program • Issue Brief: Involving Peer Supports in the SOAR Process • http://soarworks.prainc.com/article/involving-peer-supports-soar-process

20. Models for Consumer Involvement with SOAR • After taking Online Course: • Complete SSA-1696 to complete SOAR SSI/SSDI application process in part or in whole • Assist with other SOAR components • For example; collection of medical records, assist with engagement, write or assist with writing Medical Summary Report • The options are limitless!

21. Get Involved with SOAR http://soarworks.prainc.com/directory • Find your SOAR TA Center Liaison • Find your SOAR State Team Lead • Connect with SOAR in your community • Problems? Let us know!

22. Connect With Us soar@prainc.com www.facebook.com/soarworks @SOARWorks • http://soarworks.prainc.com/blog