By Rebecca Stoll
SOAR (SSI/SSD Outreach, Access & Recovery) is a SSI/SSD benefits application program targeted specifically to individuals experiencing homelessness. Donna Morgan of the Bridgeway Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida says the SOAR process is specifically designed to address the transient nature of homeless individuals. Two features make this program both unique and effective: the use of case managers as client representatives and the creation of “health narratives” which allow Social Security employees better understand the physical and mental health challenges of applicants.
Bridgeway clients have had significant success with the SOAR process, with the average turn around time being 60 – 90 days.
Through SOAR, homeless individuals work closely with case managers to complete their benefits application. The case manager becomes the client’s representative, acting as an alternative point of contact. The representative receives all notifications sent to the client, including letters and appointment confirmations.
The health narrative is created by the case manager, using worksheets provided by SOAR, and provides snapshot of the client’s disability and how it affects his or her functioning including everyday struggles. This narrative can be signed by a doctor and used as medical evidence.
Any social worker or counselor can participate in a SOAR training. To learn more about the program and find out when the next local training will take place, visit http://www.prainc.com/soar/ .
For those already using SOAR, Donna shares some tips:
- Get to know the employees at your local Social Security office – building relationships makes the communication process easierWhen faxing applications, always make sure the barcode is on top of the application stack
- Case managers should get their representative forms signed right away
- Case managers need to “stay on top” of application paperwork
- SSI/SSD applications are time consuming and can take up to 40 hours per case, so Donna recommends case managers only take on three to four cases at a time
To learn more about the Bridgeway Center, visit http://www.bridgewaycenter.org/ .
