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What: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are disability income benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that also provide Medicaid and/or Medicare health insurance to individuals who are eligible. The application process for SSI/SSDI is complicated and difficult to navigate. Nationally, about 37 percent of individuals who apply for these benefits are approved on initial application and appeals take an average of two years to complete. For people who are homeless or who are returning to the community from institutions (jails, prisons or hospitals), access to these programs can be extremely challenging. Approval on initial application for people who are homeless and who have no one to assist them is about 10-15 percent. For those who have a mental illness, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders that impair cognition, the application process is even more difficult – yet accessing these benefits is often a critical first step in recovery. SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) is an approach that helps states increase access to mainstream benefits for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness through: Strategic Planning Meeting(s) to establish collaboration among key state and/or local stakeholders and to develop an action plan for implementing the SOAR approach (e.g. SSA and Disability Determination Services (DDS); State Mental Health Agency and Department of Corrections leadership; and community homeless, health and behavioral health providers). Training of case managers using SAMHSA's Stepping Stones to Recovery curriculum that includes a step-by-step explanation of an improved SSI/SSDI application process. A Train-the-Trainer program allows for expansion and sustainability. Technical Assistance to states and communities including support for action plan implementation, training observations with feedback, and assistance with tracking outcomes in order to document success and help access additional resources.  (SOAR Technical Assistance Center. http://www.prainc.com/SOAR). When/Where: Great Falls SOAR Refresher Course September 23, 2011 & October 28, 2011  9AM – 2PM Largent Building - 915 First Avenue South Great Falls, MT (406) 761-2104 Billings SOAR Training Registration: September 28 & 29 | 8:00 – 5:00 Garfield School – Room 103 3212 1st Avenue South Billings, MT 59102 Great Falls SOAR Training Registration October 13-14, 2011 Largent Building - 915 First Avenue South Great Falls, MT (406) 761-2104 Helena SOAR Training Registration November 1-2, 2011 Disability Determination Services 2550 Prospect Avenue Helena, MT 59601

I am a person with a disability, and have been since age 16 when a wrestling injury left me paralyzed from the shoulders down. I have a master's degree, a full-time job and yes, I'm one of more than 8.7 million Americans with a disability who rely on the long-term health care services provided through a government program called Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.

MOSCOW, Pa. – Sara Wolff works for a law firm, sits on the board of directors for several advocacy organizations and is a gifted public speaker. But due to a federal regulation, she’s prohibited from doing something almost every other American has the right to do: save for her future. That’s because Wolff has Down syndrome and, like millions born with a disability, she receives Supplemental Security Income to help pay her living expenses. In order to meet SSI eligibility requirements, she isn't allowed to earn more than $700 a month or have more than $2,000 in savings.

The Social Security Administration published proposed rules on revisions to the criteria for mental impairments, including intellectual disability/mental retardation. These criteria, or "listings", are the first major step in determining whether an individual is eligible for disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security disability programs. The proposed rules are available for public comment until November 17, 2010. See the proposed rules at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-20247.pdf.

Thousands of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries have learned how to stay in control of their benefits while enriching their lives through employment. You can too. Join us for a FREE Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) Webinar

Click here to register for this event What: Thousands of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries have learned how to stay in control of their benefits while enriching their lives through employment. You can too. Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) provide you and your family the opportunity to learn how to take advantage of Social Security Work Incentives, including Ticket to Work. When: April 7, 2011 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDT MSU Billings/College of Education Building, Training Room #122 1500 University Drive Billings, MT  59101 April 14, 2011 9 :00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. MDT Best Western KwaTaqNuk Resort 49708 US Highway 93 East Polson, MT  59860 Register: Online or by calling 1-877-743-8237 (V/TTY).  Space is limited, so please register today! 

Click here to register for this event What: Thousands of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries have learned how to stay in control of their benefits while enriching their lives through employment. You can too. Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) provide you and your family the opportunity to learn how to take advantage of Social Security Work Incentives, including Ticket to Work. When: April 14, 2011 9 :00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. MDT Best Western KwaTaqNuk Resort 49708 US Highway 93 East Polson, MT  59860 Register: Online or by calling 1-877-743-8237 (V/TTY).  Space is limited, so please register today!