An Evaluation of SOAR: Implementation and Outcomes of an Effort to Improve Access to SSI and SSDI.

Objective: Accessing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is challenging for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The federally funded SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) project aims to improve access to SSI and SSDI through technical assistance (TA) to communities for promoting collaboration among agencies that serve this population and training professionals to assist people with applications. This study examined how SOAR TA has influenced community implementation efforts and the outcomes of these efforts.

Mental disorders and service use among welfare and disability program participants in fee-for-service Medicaid.

Objective: In recent years, welfare caseloads have declined dramatically, leaving on the rolls recipients with mental disorders or other challenges that may affect their ability to work. This study identified Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients (that is, welfare recipients) who use mental health services, compared them with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, and estimated the number of TANF recipients who might qualify for SSI.

Methods: Based on data from the 2003 Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) files from four states, this analysis included female Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19 to 64 in fee-for-service payment systems receiving SSI (N=65,303) or TANF (N=22,691).