The Trump administration is ending a program to support people with disabilities, leaving many at risk of homelessness.
The Trump administration abruptly ended federal support for a program that helps people with disabilities receive benefits. It supported those facing homelessness or at risk of it, according to reports. Center of Budget and Policy Priorities.
Disability benefits provide not only a stable income but also a path to healthcare and other support. However, accessing these benefits can be challenging, especially for people with severe mental health conditions and unstable housing.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program is an effective, time-tested method for helping children and adults with severe mental illnesses and other disabilities whose housing instability makes it difficult for them to obtain adequate benefits.
SOAR-trained social workers help these individuals, particularly many veterans, apply for disability benefits (such as SSI and SSDI), as well as receive employment assistance and other forms of support.
The administration's end to federal support for SOAR training will push even more people into the streets and into unemployment, without access to housing, health care, and other necessary supports.
On the subject: Homeless People in Washington Could Be Arrested for Refusing to Leave the Street for a Shelter
Before the administration terminated support for the program in August, the SOAR Technical Center provided intensive training annually to approximately 3500 state and local social workers, helping them navigate the complex disability application process, and provided resources and support to thousands of other professionals. Without this assistance, SOAR's primary target group—homeless people with severe mental illness—has a very low chance of receiving benefits. Homeless people often lack personal transportation, a reliable mailing address, or access to a telephone or computer.
Despite these significant obstacles, 65% of applicants who received assistance from SOAR-trained specialists were approved for benefits (before appeal). This is more than double the national rate for all applicants.
The SOAR training was so effective that the Department of Veterans Affairs required all grantees of its veteran homelessness prevention program to take it.
Other federal agencies have also strongly recommended its use as part of comprehensive community-based homelessness programs.
Disability benefits provide a stable income, access to health care, and other support that helps people with disabilities meet their basic needs. For example, in most states, a successful application for SSI opens access to health care through the Medicaid program, which provides essential long-term services and supports that help people with disabilities live stable lives in their homes and communities.
Qualifying for disability benefits makes it easier to access other types of assistance, such as food assistance (which has increasingly strict time limits for people not receiving disability benefits, even if they are eligible).
There is bipartisan agreement that the SSA's disability programs—SSI and SSDI—are too complex and burdensome for applicants. The administration's misguided decision to end support for SOAR will not only hinder these individuals' access to the assistance they need but will also make it more difficult for the SSA to operate.
For decades, social workers trained in the SOAR program have helped homeless people, often with cognitive impairments, navigate the complex and lengthy process of applying for disability benefits. They helped applicants assemble complete documentation packages, including detailed medical histories, and provided a reliable and accessible point of contact. This significantly reduced the burden on the SSA. In 2024, applications submitted through the SOAR program were processed more than two months faster than average, and appeals took nearly six months less.
Some social workers who have already completed SOAR training will continue to practice even after federal support for free training in the program ends nationally.
However, their numbers will decline over time due to staff turnover, which is particularly high in the profession, due to burnout. Moreover, if the needs of people with disabilities and homeless people remain unmet, this will create additional costs for government programs at all levels.
Reducing the number of residents receiving federal disability benefits will add to the already severe pressure on state and local budgets, as well as increase costs for homeless programs, emergency medical services, and prisons.
You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York
The SOAR program has had a significant impact at a modest federal cost—approximately $2,6 million in annual funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. Its work provides significant relief to the overburdened Social Security Administration.
Reversing the administration's decision to end support for the SOAR Technical Center would be a sensible move that would ensure a significant return on investment. But if the administration doesn't do so on its own, Congress should compel it to do so.
Read also on ForumDaily:
2,4 million Americans will lose food stamp benefits due to new restrictions.
Trump Allows Homeless People to Be Forcibly Removed from Streets
Subscribe to ForumDaily on Google NewsDo you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.
Editor's Choice
