The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs provide cash assistance to individuals who have disabilities that limit work. Although people who are homeless have a particularly urgent need for this kind of assistance, they are much less likely to be approved for benefits compared to other applicants. The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) initiative aims to improve access to these critical benefits for people who are homeless, using a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate the most common challenges they face when applying for SSI/SSDI. While this project was focused on helping homeless individuals to navigate the SSI application process, the information provided here is relevant for other individuals living with a disability, including TANF recipients.
ASPE – Successfully Implementing Soar: Lessons Learned From Six States