SOAR

The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model increases access to the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for eligible adults and children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

SOAR Trained Individuals will work directly with the Social Security Administration Office and Disability Determination Services to submit SOAR disability applications. SOAR applications include critical components which have been proven to double the approval rate compared to traditional Social Security disability on an initial application. SOAR applications are sent to a specialized unit at Disability Determination Services that specializes in people experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness. 

If you’re interested in becoming a SOAR case manager, the first step is to complete the SAMHSA’s SOAR Online Course (link below).

ECHO will be automatically notified when you register for the online course in Austin or Travis County and will contact you for next steps.

In addition to the SAMHSA training, ECHO offers weekly technical assistance calls to support SOAR case managers in completing their first application. This training includes:

• Applicants’ Buy-in Agreement
• Pre-screening on first set of applications, including Head-to-Toe Assessment
• Setting the Protective Filing Date
• Necessary SSA & DDS forms
• Review of application package before submitting
• Next steps after application package is submitted
• Necessary SSA & DDS forms