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

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

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

SOAR program staff help gather the information necessary for high-quality applications for SSI and SSDI.

Programs

State-funded SOAR programs 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 was established to expand the availability of training in evidence-based housing and treatment models focused on adults, children, and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders.

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

Glossary

 
Last revised September 25, 2025