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 SSA Social Security Administratio n Federal agency that administers SSI/SSDI Makes the non-medical decision DDS Disability Determinatio n Services State agency under contract to SSA Makes the medical/ disability determination Medical Medical/ Treatment providers Assessments/ evaluations Medical records You SOAR trained case managers are actively involved every step of the process

5. SSI & SSDI: The Basics Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Needs based; federal benefit rate is $733 per month (2015); provides Medicaid in most states Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Amount depends on earnings put into SSA system; Medicare generally provided after 2 years of eligibility

6. Application Process Applicatio n Initiated at SSA SSA Determin es Non- Medical Eligibility SSA Transfers Claim to DDS DDS Determin es Medical Eligibility DDS Returns Record to SSA SSA Notifies Applicant

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 FY 2014Cumulative Approvals 3,81822,863 Decisions 5,90535,124 Approval rate 65%

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