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

The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model 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.

Wisconsin has been using the SOAR model for nearly 20 years.

The national approval rate for SOAR-assisted applications for SSI and SSDI is 65%. That's more than double the national approval rate for unassisted applications (31%).

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

Staff with programs using the SOAR model help people by:

  • Serving as the applicant's representative.
  • Collecting and submitting medical records.
  • Writing and submitting a Medical Summary Report.
  • Obtaining co-signature on the Medical Summary Report by an acceptable medical source.
  • Completing a quality review of applications prior to submission.

Programs

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

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 national SOAR Technical Assistance Center closed on August 18, 2025, after the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration discontinued its federal funding. The SOARWorks website, SOAR online courses, and the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) system are no longer available. At this time, there is no SOAR training program to certify providers. We are working to develop a training for individuals interested in becoming SOAR certified.

Homeless and Housing Resource Center

The Homeless and Housing Resource Center provides no-cost training and tools focused on housing stability, recovery, and an end to homelessness for people with serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or co-occurring disorders.

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

Glossary

 
Last revised January 27, 2026