People who are homeless and have serious mental illnesses need
much more than housing. Besides a stable address and steady
income, they also need access to the mental health and substance
abuse treatment that could help them take the first steps to
recovery. Obtaining benefits from the U.S. Social Security
Administration (SSA) can play a crucial role in access to
housing and services needed for a homeless person’s return to a
life in the community. These benefits include Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSDI). Why are these benefits so critical? Because in addition
to providing a monthly income, SSI can offer eligibility for
Medicaid. And that means a way to pay for treatment. SAMHSA is a
partner in a Federal interagency initiative—SSI/SSDI Outreach,
Access, and Recovery (SOAR)—that helps homeless individuals,
most of whom also have serious mental illnesses. SOAR helps them
access these crucial benefits. Launched in 2005 with SAMHSA’s
support, SOAR helps states and