Please note that HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project is not accepting new referrals at this time due to an increase in demand. Our team is currently only handling existing cases as we have limited resources at this time. If you would like your client to be added to a waitlist, please email soar@helpmlp.org with the client’s name. When we begin accepting new referrals again, we will email you to notify you that the referral form is open again.

Self help guides are available to be downloaded and shared with clients in both English and Spanish.

If you have any questions, please email soar@helpmlp.org. Thank you for understanding.

What is HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project?

HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) helps people in Delaware County, PA who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and who have disabilities that prevent them from working to apply for Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). While the SOAR Project is not an alternative to the regular process for applying for Social Security benefits, it can often help people who meet eligibility criteria access Social Security disability benefits faster than if they were to apply on their own due to the support of the SOAR Project team, their case manager, and other care providers. To learn more about the SOAR model visit SAMHSA’s SOAR Works.

To assess SOAR eligibility, we are looking for information on the client’s:

• Presence of medical and/or psychiatric conditions or symptoms that would fit a SSA listing for a disability.
• Current treatment, or a history of treatment for conditions.
• Inability to work and earn money due to medical and/or psychiatric conditions.
• Impairments in functioning due to medical and/or psychiatric conditions.

Who is eligible for SOAR?

In order for clients to be eligible for HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project, they must:

1. Have a current medical and/or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working, and
2. Be experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

If the client does not meet both of these criteria, they are not eligible for HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project services. HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project is limited to assisting clients with applications for SSA disability benefits and does not provide legal representation or assistance with appealing SSA benefit denials.

What information is required for a HELP: MLP SOAR referral?

Prior to submitting the HELP: MLP SOAR Referral Form, please gather the following information related to the client’ situation:

• Client consent to be referred to HELP: MLP for assistance.
• Any urgent information or special contact considerations related to the client.
• The client’s current housing situation.
• Whether or not the client has applied for Social Security disability benefits in the past and when.

The client’s medical history, including:

• Current diagnoses.
• Past diagnoses.
• Medications.
• Symptoms that impact the client’s ability to work.
• Current treatment and names of treatment providers.
• The client’s substance use history.
• The client’s employment history.

How to support your client’s application

Your ongoing support throughout the application process is critical to ensure the client has the best chance of being approved for benefits. Here are some of the ways you can collaborate with the SOAR Project team to best support your client:

• Submit a complete referral to the HELP: MLP team with all the information you have.
• Help to schedule the initial meeting or call with the client.
• Help gather medical records, treatment histories, and contact information for treatment providers.
• Write a letter of support that describes your relationship with the client, a brief history of the client’s medical conditions, employment, and housing instability, and details the ways in which the client’s symptoms impact their functioning and ability to work.

How to refer to HELP: MLP for SOAR Project services

At this time, HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project is closed to new referrals. If you would like your client added to our waitlist, please email soar@helpmlp.org. Self help guides are also available.

Please note that HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project is limited to helping people with disabilities residing in Delaware County, PA. Submitting a referral to HELP: MLP’s SOAR Project does not guarantee services. Each referral will be assessed on an individual basis for eligibility and project resources. If you have any questions, please contact soar@helpmlp.org.