Spotlight: PATH Programs Providing SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery)
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Description:
Access to mainstream benefits is crucial for transitioning out of homelessness. It is estimated that 10-15% of individuals experiencing homelessness are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (Policy Research Associates, 2008)—benefits which provide income to support individuals who are not able to work due to disability. Once these benefits are in place, most recipients also become eligible for health care through either Medicaid or Medicare.
Content:
Application processes for SSI and SSDI are complicated and require extensive documentation that even individuals who are housed may have difficulty completing. Those who live on the street or in shelters often do not have the skills or access to the resources necessary to complete the application process. Homeless services workers can, and do, assist with applications, but sometimes without a strong understanding of the application and determination process. Even they have difficulty with the process and have low rates of success.
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is an initiative designed to improve access to SSI and SSDI for people experiencing homelessness and have a disabling condition, specifically individuals with mental illness. Some states that have 10-year-plans receive federally supported training and technical assistance for SOAR through a partnership of multiple federal agencies. Other states fund SOAR on their own, sometimes with PATH
funds. (Authors)
Type of Resource:
PATH Resource
Publication Date:
2008
Location:
Newton Centre, MA