SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR): Disability application outcomes among homeless adults

Abstract

Objective: The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program has been shown to increase access to Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits among homeless adults. However, little empirical data exist on how or for whom SOAR achieves successful application outcomes. This study investigated applicant and application characteristics associated with disability application outcomes among homeless adults. Methods: Secondary data on 6,361 SOAR-assisted applications were obtained. Multilevel models investigated betweenapplicant differences in application processing time and decision as a function of applicant and application characteristics. Results: Older age and living in an institution were associatedwith greater odds of application approval. Female gender and receipt of public assistance were associated with longer processing timeand lower odds of approval. Except for quality review, SOAR critical componentswere associated with greater odds of approval. Conclusions: Women and adults receiving public assistance appear disadvantaged in the SOAR application process. SOAR critical components promote successful disability application outcomes.