Accessing disability benefits like SSI and SSDI is important for helping people re-enter the community from institutional settings by providing housing, income, and health insurance. However, the application process is difficult and approval rates are low, especially for those with mental illness or substance abuse disorders. The SOAR model actively assists applicants and focuses on properly documenting disabilities, resulting in approval rates over 90% for initial applications. Key aspects of the SOAR model include comprehensive staff training, close collaboration between case managers and medical providers, and focusing on getting the initial application right to avoid lengthy appeals processes. Proper implementation of the SOAR model can expedite access to important entitlement benefits in a cost-effective way.

1. Accessing Entitlements Utilizing SOAR Cindy A. Schwartz, MS, MBA Project Director, Eleventh Judicial Criminal Mental Health Project, Jail Diversion Program Miami, Florida

2. Why is access to SSI and SSDI important for people re-entering the community from institutional settings ? SSA disability benefits can provide access to: Housing Income Health insurance

3. Eligibility Legal documentation or citizenship Disability Unable to work

4. SSI and SSDI SSI: Supplemental Security Income; federal benefit rate is $674 per month and will provide Medicaid in Florida SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance; amount of benefit dependent on earnings put into SSA system; Medicare provided after two years of eligibility in most instances The disability determination process for both programs is the same; when one applies for SSI, they are usually review by SSA for their eligibility for SSDI as well.

5. The Problem The application process is difficult for most people but especially for individuals who have mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders Only about 37 percent of all those who apply (all disability groups) are typically approved on initial application People that are homeless have a lower percentage of approval on the initial application (10-15%) Appeals take years and many potentially eligible people give up and do not appeal

6. Why Is Access To SSI So Difficult? People who re-entering the community need assistance to apply for Social Security benefits They need adequate assessment and documentation of how their disabling conditions limit their ability to work Providers who assist applicants need staff who understand the disability determination process and who have time to assist in all aspects of developing the application Relationships with SSA, the state Disability Determination Service (DDS), community medical providers and others are essential to changing the outcomes of SSI/SSDI applications

7. What We Know Is Possible… Approval rates of 90% on initial application for Jail Diversion Participants In Miami-Dade County

8. SOAR Technical Assistance Initiative SOAR stands for “SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery” Strategy to help States and communities increase access to SSI and SSDI for people who are homeless through training, technical assistance and strategic planning Includes use of SAMHSA’s Stepping Stones to Recovery training curriculum

9. How Is This Model Different? Case managers actively assist applicants Step-by-step explanation of SSI application and disability determination process Focuses on the initial application – “Get it right the first time!” Avoids appeals whenever possible Focuses on documenting the disability

10. What Does It Take? Use the SOAR Critical Components ( www.prainc.com/SOAR/about/CriticalComponentsChart.pdf ) Focus on the initial application Become an applicant’s representative (SSA Form 1696) Work closely with community medical providers Reach out to hospital and clinic medical records departments Reduce the need for consultative exams Develop medical summary reports signed by a physician or psychologist

11. What Does it Take? Ensure adequate staffing Provide training and quality control Collaborate with SSA and DDS Collect and report on outcomes

12. Miami-Dade County GAP Funding Provides Interim Assistance for individuals applying for federal entitlements (SSI/SSDI) during the period between application and approval of benefits Funding for Housing is reimbursed to the County Effective and cost efficient method to improve re-entry to the community

13. How Do You Make This Happen? Look for partners that stand to benefit from increased access to SSI, SSDI and Medicaid: Mental health centers and primary care clinics Hospitals – public or private Jails or prisons that are focused on reentry State or County general assistance programs Housing programs – public and private Local 10-year plans to address homelessness

14. Conclusion Focus on expediting benefits works! Its a win-win for the individual, for states and localities, and for community programs A major tool in recovery and re-entry to the community

15. For More Information on SOAR and Stepping Stones to Recovery Visit the SOAR website at www.prainc.com /soar Or contact: Cindy A. Schwartz, MS, MBA [email_address]