SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Program

The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program is designed to increase access to two benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a needs-based program for adults or children who are blind, disabled, or elderly, with low incomes. It provides monthly financial assistance to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI is a program that pays benefits to adults who are no longer able to work due to a disability, and certain members of their family if they worked long enough and recently enough to have paid Social Security taxes on their earnings.

Eligibility

SOAR is for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

Services

SOAR program staff help gather the information necessary for high-quality applications for SSI and SSDI.

Programs

State-funded SOAR programs are available in the following counties:

• Kenosha: Legal Action Wisconsin
• La Crosse: Couleecap
• Milwaukee: Outreach Community Health Centers
• Monroe: Couleecap
• Racine: Legal Action Wisconsin
• Vernon: Couleecap
• Walworth: Legal Action Wisconsin
• Waukesha: NAMI Southeast Wisconsin

If your county is not listed, call 211 for information on local supports for applying for SSI or SSDI.

Information for social services agencies

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides support to social services agencies that work with people who qualify for the SOAR program. Visit the SOAR Works! website for more information.

SOAR program certification courses

SOAR programs are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. State funding is not required to become certified. SOAR program certification courses are open to all social services agencies.

SOAR Online Course: Adult Curriculum
This course trains case workers to assist qualified adults.

SOAR Online Course: Child Curriculum
This course trains case workers to assist qualified children.

SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) program

SOAR programs should track data regarding their activities. The SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) program is a free data collection tool. See the Tracking SOAR Outcomes page on the SOAR Works! website for more information on this tool.

Homeless and Housing Resource Center

The Homeless and Housing Resource Center was established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to expand the availability of training in evidence-based housing and treatment models focused on adults, children, and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders.

Send questions or concerns about the SOAR program to the Division of Care and Treatment Services at dhswebmaildcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov.