No
In Nebraska, the SOAR model is incorporated into a state-specific program referred to as Nebraska SOAR. This is a dedicated program committed to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and have a have a severe mental illness, medical impairment, or a co-occurring substance use disorder in accessing essential disability benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Nebraska SOAR understands the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Case workers are prepared to assume a central role in gathering complete, targeted, and relevant information for SSA and DDS, which helps the disability determination process move more smoothly and quickly, and seek approval on initial applications, thereby avoiding the need for appeals. In addition, the SOAR model works to increase access to supportive services and employment opportunities, preparing the individual for successful independence and housing stability.
Nebraska SOAR promotes a collaborative process that improves communication among SSI/SSDI benefit applicants, SOAR-trained case workers, SSA, DDS, and community providers, supporting our mission of empowering those in need and positively impacting their lives.
SOAR Core Values
SOAR is about people, not forms. Success comes from compassion, persistence, and confidence in using SOAR and the tools it offers. You do NOT need to become an expert in SSA regulations or have all the answers.
SOAR Core Values
The SOAR program is value-based and people-focused. Below are the core values that guide our approach to assisting individuals in the disability benefits application process.
Respect
- Respect is a fundamental right that all individuals deserve.
- Revealing personal information to a case worker in the application process requires a level of trust, and trust requires mutual respect.
Choice
- Individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, trauma, and legal system involvement often have had few opportunities for choice.
- Offering choice is one way to demonstrate respect.
Hope
- Hope for recovery and maintain an awareness of the many struggles that diminish hope.
- Emphasize an individual's strength and resilience, even as you go about documenting challenges in functioning.
Recovery is possible
- Family, friends, and even service providers often lose sight of this fact.
- Take every opportunity to offer and encourage hope for recovery.
- Access to benefits is only one stepping stone to recovery - encourage work and other personal goals.
Individual-first language
- Use the words “individual" or “individuals" first.
- For example, "individuals who have schizophrenia" (not “schizophrenics"), individuals with disabilities (not “the disabled"), and "individuals who are experiencing homelessness" (“not homeless person" or “the homeless").
Celebrate diversity
- Show respect for cultural diversity and seek to better understand the diverse backgrounds of the people you serve to help ensure access to appropriate treatment and services.
Abolish prejudice and discrimination
- Work to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Our society often perpetuates prejudice and discrimination against people who have experienced mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, or legal system involvement.
- Promote respect for individuals and understanding of the many challenges they face. Correct misconceptions and dispel myths.
Definition of Homelessness
The SOAR initiative is intended for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These terms are defined differently by SOAR and the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is essential to understand these differences when determining who meets the housing criteria to be a SOAR applicant and which cases can be expedited at SSA through the use of the “homeless flag."
SOAR Definitions of Homelessness and At Risk of Homelessness
The SOAR model follows the definitions of “homeless" and “at risk of homelessness" used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The statutory language of these definitions is derived from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009.
Experiencing Homelessness
The definition of those who are experiencing homelessness includes:
- An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence, such as those living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or places not meant for habitation, or
- An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence (within 14 days), provided that no subsequent housing has been identified and the individual/family lacks support networks or resources needed to obtain housing, or
- Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and youth who qualify under other Federal statutes, such as the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, have not had a lease or ownership interest in a housing unit in the last 60 or more days, have had two or more moves in the last 60 days, and who are likely to continue to be unstably housed because of disability or multiple barriers to employment, or
- An individual or family who is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, has no other residence, and lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing
At Risk of Homelessness
The definition of those who are at risk of homelessness includes individuals and families who:
- Have an annual income below 30 percent of the median family income for the area, as determined by HUD, and
- Do not have sufficient resources or support networks, immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or place not meant for habitation, and
- Exhibit one or more risk factors of homelessness, including recent housing instability or exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care such as foster care or a mental health facility
SOAR is also appropriate for individuals who are being served by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH), Housing First, and other Permanent Supportive Housing for those who were recently experiencing homelessness, and who are relying on grant support or have limited income to sustain their housing.
Read more about HUD's definition of "homeless" as it relates to children and youth.
SSA Definition of Homelessness
The SSA definition of homelessness is more closely aligned with literal homelessness. SSA provides expedited processing for applicants for disability who meet the criteria below.
Homeless/Transient (Living Arrangement): An individual with no permanent living arrangement, i.e., no fixed place of residence, is considered homeless or transient. Someone who is transient is neither a member of a household nor a resident of an institution. For example:
Homeless Flag (Electronic Folder Flag): The homeless flag is added to the electronic folder "when it is alleged or apparent that the claimant is homeless."