What is SOAR?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are disability income benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that also provide Medicaid and/or Medicare health insurance to eligible children and adults. The application process for SSI/SSDI is complicated and difficult to navigate. Nationally, about 30% of adults who apply for benefits are approved on initial application, and appeals take an average of 1 year to complete.
For people who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness or are returning to the community from institutions (jails, prisons, or hospitals), access to these programs can be extremely challenging. Approval on initial application for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness is about 10-15%. For those who have a serious mental illness, substance use disorder, 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 building resiliency and supporting recovery. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) developed the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model to address this critical need.
How does SOAR Ohio work?
The SOAR Ohio state leadership team at COHHIO helps to create and support strong partnerships between Social Security Administration, Disability Determination Services, and service providers throughout Ohio. COHHIO provides training and certification for staff and community members to submit complete and quality SSI/SSDI applications that are approved quickly, upon initial submission. By maximizing income supports through benefits access and employment support, individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness can achieve housing stability.
Contact for more information
Erica Copley, LSW, SOAR Ohio State Lead: ericacopley@cohhio.org, 614.280.1984 x 142
Amy Lamerson, MSW, SOAR Ohio & Special Projects Coordinator: amylamerson@cohhio.org, 614.280.1984 x 159
Amanda Wilson, LISW-S, CDE, Special Projects Director: amandawilson@cohhio.org, 614.280.1984 x 115
