1. SOAR in Arizona

2. Soar across the state Southern Arizona – Cristina Benitez
Northern Arizona – currently vacant and looking
Maricopa County – Jeremy Huntoon
State Lead – Joy Johnson
SSA Phoenix – Amber Allery

3. Soar local leads across the state Southern Arizona
Cristina Benitez, Arizona Complete Health
Covers 8 counties
Pima, Pinal, Cochise, Yuma, La Paz, Graham, Greenlee, Santa Cruz
Southern Arizona is re-starting SOAR in the Southern part of the state and working with Social Security Administration in Tucson which serves Southern Arizona
Pinal County Lead- Elizabeth Flores- Pinal Hispanic Council
South Eastern Arizona- Annette Eastman-Community Partners Integrated Health

4. Soar local leads across the state Maricopa County
Jeremy Huntoon, Community Bridges
Covers Maricopa County

5. Soar local leads across the state balance of state
Joy Johnson, Arizona Department of Housing
Covers the 13 “rural” counties (Balance of State)
Administers homeless programs funding
COC and/or HTF funds in every “rural” county
SOAR goals
Lead in every “rural’ county

6. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
What is it?
SSDI is a program to provide income supplements to people who are no longer able to work because of a significant disability.
Who is it for?
People who are no longer able to perform substantial work activity may qualify if they:
have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death,
are younger than full retirement age (FRA) and earn less than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit,
are blind and at least age 55 for certain individuals, and have
earned a certain number of work credits.
Social Security’s disability definition is based on your medical condition and the fact that you are not expected to be able to do any work for at least 12 months or your condition is terminal. This work determination is based on your age, education and work experience.
The actual disability definition makes the clear distinction between Social Security’s disability requirements compared to other disability programs, such as Veterans and Workman’s Compensation.
After becoming eligible for a disability benefit, the law requires us to conduct a medical review to ensure that the beneficiary still qualifies for the program. This generally occurs every 3 to 7 years, depending on the severity of the disability.

7. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
What is it?
SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and few resources.
Who is it for?
People who are 65 or older, as well as for those of any age, including children, who are blind or who have disabilities.
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. Social Security administers the SSI program, which pays monthly benefits to adults with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also get SSI. 
People who have worked long enough, recently enough, may be able to receive Social Security benefits – such as disability or retirement – and SSI benefits at the same time, if the amount of Social Security benefits in combination with the person’s other income falls below the SSI income limits.

8. SSDI vs. SSI Social Security Disability Insurance
Supplemental Security Income
Payments come from the Social Security trust funds and are based on a person’s earnings.
Payments come from the general treasury fund, NOT the Social Security trust funds. SSI payments are not based on a person’s earnings.
An insurance that workers earn by paying Social Security taxes on their wages.
A needs-based public assistance program that does not require a person to have work history.
Pays benefits to disabled individuals who are unable to work, regardless of their income and resources.
Pays disabled individuals who are unable to work AND have limited income and resources.
Benefits for workers and for adults disabled since childhood. Must meet insured status requirements.
Benefits for children and adults in financial need. Must have limited income and limited resources.
When you file an application for disability benefits with Social Security, we always check on your eligibility for both of our programs.
The same medical requirements apply to both programs, but the non-medical requirements differ.
Staff at your local Social Security field office review your non-medical eligibility. If you meet the non-medical requirements for SSDI, SSI, or both programs, we send your claim – or claims – to a medical examiner who works for the state of ___(your state).
Specifically, the medical examiners work for a state agency called the Disability Determination Service, or DDS. Once the medical examiner makes a medical decision on your application, you receive notification by mail, and your local Social Security field office receives notification electronically. If your claim is approved, you start receiving monthly disability benefits. If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal.
For SSDI, you must have recent work history in order to receive benefits. Adults must have worked and earned Social Security credits in 5 out of the 10 years prior to the onset of the disability.
For younger workers, however, less work is required. For example:
Before age 24:
1 ½ years of work in a three-year period before becoming disabled
Age 24-31:
work during half the time between age 21 and the time the disability began
Age 31 or older:
work during five out of the 10 years before the disability began
However, since you do not need to work and gain insured status for SSI, babies and older people who have never worked can receive SSI benefits. They just need to be blind, disabled, or age 65 or older and have limited income and resources.
Social Security has a specific set of rules that apply to disability beneficiaries. If you receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments, you must report all earnings to Social Security.

9. What’s New in 2019?
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for individuals with disabilities, other than blindness, increased from $1,180 to $1,220.
The SGA amount for individuals who are blind increased from $1,970 to $2,040 for 2019.
The monthly earnings amount that we use to determine if a month counts for the Trial Work Period month is $880 per month in  
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is $ per month for an eligible individual (was $750) and $1,157 per month for an eligible couple. (was $ )
There are several important adjustments to the work incentive programs that went into effect January 1, Details about these changes can be found in the Red Book.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for individuals with disabilities, other than blindness, increased from $1,170 to $1,180.
The SGA amount for individuals who are blind increased from $1,950 to $1,970 for 2018.
The monthly earnings amount that we use to determine if a month counts for the Trial Work Period month is $850 per month in  
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is $750 per month for an eligible individual and $1,125 per month for an eligible couple.

10. What is SOAR? SOAR stands for: SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery
A process designed to help states increase access to SSI/SSDI for eligible adults who are
homeless or at risk of homelessness, have a serious mental illness (or exhibit symptoms), and/or have serious physical illnesses that affect their ability to work at a substantial gainful level ($1180 per month or $1970 for blind people)
Encourages a collaborative process between SSA and DDS
Offers training for case managers
Provides individualized TA for support

11. SOAR Partners Social Security Administration (SSA)
Federal agency that administers SSI/SSDI
Makes the non-medical decision
Disability Determination Services (DDS)
State agency under contract to SSA
Makes the medical/disability determination
Medical/treatment providers
Assessments/evaluations
Medical records

12. Collaborating with SSA and DDS
The Phoenix downtown SSA office assigns a specific claims representative to assist with all SOAR applications.
SSA flags all homeless applicants to expedite processing.
DDS and SOAR work together to ensure the applicants attend any medical/psychological consultative examinations.
SSA offices in the BOS
Give update on progress of SSA offices process training for handling SOAR applications

13. The soar applicant functional impairments

14. The soar applicant functional impairments
Neglects to attend to basic needs including medical, nutrition, hygiene and grooming
Needs assistance in caring for self in a safe or sanitary manner
Housing, food, clothing must be provided or arranged for by others
Unwilling to seek care for serious medical conditions or refuses treatment for life threatening illnesses due to mental illness

15. The soar applicant functional impairments
Risk of serious harm to self or others
Seriously disruptive to family and/or community
Regularly engages in assaultive behavior
Has been institutionalized due to dangerous behavior
Currently displays, or has a history of abusive behavior towards others in the persons care i.e. children caretakers caseworkers

16. The soar applicant functional impairments
Risk of Deterioration
A qualifying diagnosis with probable chronic, relapsing and remitting course
Co-morbidities (mental retardation, substance dependence, personality disorders)
Persistent or chronic factors such as social isolation poverty
Extreme chronic stressors such as life threatening medical illness victimization

17. The soar applicant functional impairments
Dysfunction in Role Performance
Frequently disruptive or in trouble at work or school
Unable to maintain employment or requires high level of supervision at work or school
Meet other developmentally appropriate responsibilities

18. Soar has broader goals SOAR Housing
Access to treatment, health insurance, and other services
Employment opportunities
Community investment
Decrease in adverse outcomes (incarceration and hospitalization)

19. How is the SOAR Model different?
Case managers actively assist applicants, maintaining contact and acting as their representative
Emphasis on obtaining approval on initial application and avoiding appeals
Collaboration with local agencies, medical providers, and SSA/DDS
Focus on thoroughly documenting the disability and its effect on functioning, reducing the need for consultative exams

20. 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

21. Medical Summary Report (MSR)
The MSR is a letter which describes the individual and his/her functional limitations and struggles
Critical component of the SOAR model
Paints a vivid picture of the individual for the DDS examiner who never sees them
Provides a clear link to the functional impairment which links directly to;
“Why can’t the applicant work?”

22. Serving as the Appointed Representative
SSA-1696: Appointment of Representative
Permits communication with SSA and DDS about the applicant’s file
Case Manager receives copies of all applicant communication from SSA and DDS
The most important tool for working with someone who is experiencing homelessness
Neither the agency or the Case Manager is liable for the decision made by DDS
It is NOT the same as the Representative Payee
SOAR providers should check “waiving fees from all sources”

23. Electronically Submitting Applications and Medical Evidence
Saves Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Disability Determination Services (DDS) time, effort, and money during the disability process.
Helps expedite the claim.
Billie?

24. Activity: Reasons for the work we do
This program is about:
Ending homelessness
Promoting recovery
Transforming lives
Discussion:
What brought you to this work?
How do you see this program helping your clients?

25. activity continued discussion
Besides having that collaboration with SSA, what is the biggest difference you’ve witnessed when assisting individuals apply for SSA benefits with and without SOAR?
Have there been any barriers that you have needed to overcome since you’ve been SOAR-trained? If so, have those barriers been resolved?
What are some success stories you have to share with the audience?

26. How to get SOAR-Trained
SOAR Online Course
16 hours of Continuing Education Unit (CEUs) upon successful completion
You get 4-5 weeks to complete the overall training
In-depth, step-by-step explanation of SSA’s disability determination process and SSI/SSDI application forms

27. How to get SOAR-Trained
SOAR Online Course
Self-directed learning, work at your own pace
Sample reports, letters, forms and other tools
Completion of a SOAR SSI/SSDI application packet, submitted to the SOAR T/A Center for review and feedback

28. New: Online course for child curriculum
For children and youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness with a permanent disability (same as the adults)
Seven classes with articles, videos and short quizzes
Estimated time of completion is about 20 hours
For more information enroll in SOAR 101; Class 1, no obligation to complete the entire course

29. SOAR Outcomes Approvals
Over the past 12 years, SOAR has been used to assist over 63,861 people
Of those applications, 65%, representing 34,919 persons, have been approved for SSI/SSDI on the initial application
An additional 5,392 applications that were denied initially, approved on reconsideration or appeal
Since 2006, SOAR is responsible for assisting 40,311 persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness

30. SOAR Outcomes 2017 3,563 approvals on initial applications
Decisions on initial applications on average was 96 days
Which equals 64% approval rate
This compares to allowance rate of 28.5% for all persons 18 to 64 who applied for SSI or SSDI in 2015
The National approval rate is 65%
Arizona’s approval rate is 65% in 115 days on average

31. SOAR Outcomes Top 10 States
Have a cumulative approval rate of 84%
At least 200 cumulative decisions
Combined, these states had 10,416 decisions
Average back pay received $5,520 from 1,677 cases
Average Medicaid reimbursement $5,929 from 85 cases
$356 million brought into the economy nationally
It’s time AZ joined
this grouping!!!!
Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Maryland, Arkansas, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Washington, Oklahoma, Wyoming, District of Columbia

32. SOAR Outcomes Online Application Tracking (OAT) HIPAA compliant
Web-based program that allows case managers to keep track of their outcomes
Free
Easy to use
Accessible from any web browser
Nothing to download
HIPAA compliant
No personal identifying information is collected

33. How to get started Below is the link to the website
The course is explained on this page
There is Q and A
And a link to take you to the registration page
Set up your account
Class begins!
access-and-recovery-soar-online-training

34. How to stay involved in SOAR
AZ SOAR State Steering Committee
Contact the state lead or your local lead if interested in becoming a member
AZ SOAR Local Steering Committee
Contact state lead or your local lead if interested in becoming a member
SOAR Refresher Trainings
For those who have completed the Online Course (coming)
SOAR T/A Center
The Arizona SOAR contact is Pam Heine
Anyone can contact the SOAR T/A Center for any SOAR-related questions or concerns

35. Social Security Work Incentives
Disability Benefits 101 (DB101)
A user-friendly online tool that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, healthcare, and employment
az.db101.org/
Other states need to know and understand Social Security Work Incentives…we have DB101 to do the work for us

36. Q & A from Audience

37. Thank you Joy Johnson, State Lead, Arizona Department of Housing
Cristina Benitez, Southern Arizona Lead (8 Counties), Arizona Complete Health
Jeremy Huntoon, Maricopa County Lead, Community Bridges
Amber Allery, Claims Representative, Social Security Administration