At Bucks County Housing Group, we understand that navigating the complexities of disability benefit income programs can be daunting, especially for those facing homelessness and serious health challenges, and we’re dedicated to breaking down these barriers and helping those in need access the assistance they deserve. One way we do this is through SOAR. What is SOAR? SOAR, which stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery, is a program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SOAR is a lifeline for eligible adults and children who are either experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and who also grapple with serious mental illness, medical impairments, and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. Our dedicated SOAR Benefits Specialist, funded by the Bucks County Housing and Community Development Department, is here to guide qualified individuals through the application process for disability benefit income programs. Simplifying the Application Process Applying for disability benefit income programs can be an arduous process. SOAR aims to simplify and streamline this process significantly. Applications submitted through SOAR not only receive expedited processing but are also crafted to present a more comprehensive view of the applicant, increasing the chance of approval. Our specialist becomes the applicant’s point of contact throughout the process, providing guidance every step of the way. Who is Eligible for SOAR Benefits? To be eligible, an individual must meet the following criteria: Experiencing homelessness, as defined by HUD, which includes:Being literally homeless Exiting an institution after less than 90 days Being at risk of homelessness within 14 days Diagnosed with a serious mental or physical illness, characterized by:12 months of symptoms Continued symptoms despite treatments Unable to work at a substantial level due to illness How to Get Started If you are a professional and believe a client of yours qualifies for SOAR benefits, you can take these steps to help them access the program: Review the Identifying SOAR Applicants sheet Contact Social Security to check if the client already has an application in process or appeal Complete the Bucks County CoC Referral Application Submit completed referrals to SOAR@bchg.org Get in Touch If you have any questions about SOAR benefits, the referral process, or need a copy of the Referral Application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our specialist at SOAR@bchg.org. We’re here to help you help our community members regain stability in their lives. BCHG Homepage Written by: Laura Ferreri