Evaluation of the SOAR Initiative

Several federal agencies have joined together to launch the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) initiative to provide training and technical assistance to states. The goal is to help case managers expedite processing of SSI/SSDI applications for homeless individuals, many of whom have serious and persistent mental illnesses. SOAR also aims to improve the quality of the information on SSI/SSDI applications to increase the likelihood of disability benefit award at initial application and reduce processing time.

Mathematica is evaluating the implementation and outcomes of SOAR, including the extent to which it has increased access to SSI/SSDI benefits and factors that are associated with improved access to benefits. We are also identifying ways in which the initiative might be improved at the state or federal level.

The evaluation includes site visit interviews, focus groups, and analysis of secondary data. This project is funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

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