Our Programs
SOAR
SOAR is a nationally-used model for helping people who are homeless and who have a disability successfully apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery.
Nationally, 73% of SSI/SSDI applications that are completed using the SOAR model are approved on initial application, and they are approved with an average of 91 days. Normally only 10-15% of homeless people are approved on initial application. While people can then appeal the initial decision, the appeals process can take years and can be very difficult to navigate. As a result, many people experiencing homelessness who qualify for SSI or SSDI do not receive these benefits.
In 2009, the NM Coalition to End Homelessness partnered with the NM Human Services Department, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless and St. Martins Hospitality Center to implement SOAR in New Mexico. Patrick Halsmer from the NM Human Services Department is the NM SOAR State Lead and Lisa Huval from the NM Coalition to End Homelessness helps to coordinate SOAR implementation. Patrick and Lisa co-chair the NM SOAR Steering Committee.
Under the SOAR model, social workers become certified SOAR representatives by taking a two-day training. Only certified SOAR representatives can do SOAR applications. At the same time, the NM SOAR Steering Committee, which has representatives from Social Security, Disability Determination Services and local community providers, creates the system changes necessary for SOAR to be successful.
SOAR is truly a collaborative effort and there are many ways to support SOAR. Contact Lisa Huval at lisa-h@nmceh.org or (505) 217-9570 if you would like to learn more about SOAR and/or about future SOAR trainings. The NMCEH offers a SOAR training at least once a year.
Policy Research Associates (PRA) is the national organization helping communities and states implement SOAR. You can learn more about SOAR at their website: www.prainc.com/soar/.
Tools & information for certified SOAR representatives:
SSI/SSDI application forms and SOAR tools can be found on PRA’s website at: http://www.prainc.com/SOAR/toolbox/
Medical Summary Report Fact Sheet
University of New Mexico Medical Records Request
UNMH will provide medical records free-of-charge for SOAR applications. If you need electronic copies of the required forms or an overview of the process for requesting free medical records from UNMH, contact Lisa Huval at Lisa-H@nmceh.org
Monthly Meeting for SOAR Reps
On the last Wednesday of each month, SOAR representatives meet via conference call to problem-solve together and share successes. For more information about how to join this meeting, please contact Patrick Halsmer at Patrick.Halsmer@state.nm.us or (505) 841-2394.
SOAR Newsletters
Fall 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011