What is SOAR Ohio?

SOAR Ohio helps move some of Ohio’s most vulnerable community members into better housing opportunities, through access to the Social Security benefits application process. SOAR Ohio provider specialists work on behalf of individuals who are living with disabilities, by representing the SSI/SSDI benefit application claim. This process is completed on behalf of individuals whom have a diagnosis of a severe and persistent mental illness and/or medical diagnosis and are currently experiencing homelessness, at risk of becoming homeless, or preparing to exit institutions. SOAR Ohio specialists assist by helping the individual expedite the federal Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) application process, to support the individual’s choice and access to safe, decent, affordable housing in their community.

Through a strong partnership with the Social Security Administration and the Division of Disabilities Determination, SOAR Ohio Specialists represent clients during the application process from start to finish. To learn more about how to become a SOAR certified specialist click here.

How does SOAR work?

Clients work with SOAR Ohio Specialists in agencies throughout Ohio. These are highly trained provider specialists who use the evidenced-based SOAR methodology (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) to complete an expedited disability applications on behalf of clients.

Through a strong partnership with the Social Security Administration and the Division of Disabilities Determination, SOAR Ohio Specialists represent clients during the application process from start to finish. To learn more about how to become a SOAR certified specialist click here.

Who is eligible to work with a specialist?

Individuals who are homeless meeting the SSA/SOAR definition of homelessness(living on the streets, “couch surfing,” etc.), at risk of homelessness (e.g., home in foreclosure) or exiting a prison, hospital, nursing home, or other institution, and who present with a mental illness and/or physical disability that interferes with their ability to work, may be eligible for the SOAR methodology by completing the Identifying the SOAR Applicant check list here or reviewing the SOAR Decision Tree here.

What are the outcomes?

SOAR Ohio has helped thousands of Ohioans access the disability benefits they need to help maintain their housing, health, and financial stability. Ohio’s program has stood out as one of the front running states in the nation for the number of applications submitted and a close second for approvals granted, according to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s yearly outcomes report for several years in the running.

COHHIO and SOAR Ohio would like to share the 2020 National SOAR Outcomes Report and point out that we were highlighted for the expertise and passion of the work that our partner agencies, SOAR Ohio specialist are doing in their communities. To view previous years outcomes reports please follow this link. To view previous years outcomes reports please follow this link.

SOARing Together Monthly Newsletter

For more information

Please contact the SOAR Ohio State Lead and Director, Candace Talty, at candacetalty@cohhio.org  or call at: 614-280-1984 x.137 or the SOAR Ohio T & TA Coordinator, Erica Copley at ericacopley@cohhio.org or call at: 614-280-1984 x. 142