SOAR and Employment

1. SOAR and Employment Please stay on the line. AUDIO: Phone: 1-888-324-8014 Passcode: 8765269 PIN: Provided in your confirmation email (Contact ssodergren@prainc.com if you can’t find your PIN) The webinar will begin shortly.

2. SOAR and Employment Presented by: SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center Policy Research Associates, Inc. Under contract to: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

3. Webinar Instructions • Question instructions • Muting • Recording availability • Downloading documents • Evaluation

4. Welcome! Pamela J. Fischer, Ph.D. Homeless Programs Branch Center for Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

5. Agenda • SOAR and Employment: Creating Hope • Jen Elder, Senior Project Associate, SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center, Policy Research Associates, Inc. • SSA’s Work Incentives • Greg Makely, Director, New Jersey WINS, Family Resource Network • From Homeless to Working: Changing Lives • Jennifer Wilcox, Program Manager, Central City Concern, Employment Access Center • Becoming an Employment Network • Chris Evans, Manager, Pathways to Independence, Columbus House • The Benefits of Working and Providing Support • Bernadette Barbour, Employment Specialist, Columbus House • Questions and Answers

6. SOAR and Employment: Creating Hope Jen Elder SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center Policy Research Associates, Inc.

7. SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery The SOAR Technical Assistance Center helps states and communities increase access to SSA disability benefits for people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with SSA since 2005 All 50 states currently participate; no direct funding provided to states SOAR Technical Assistance Initiative

8. Since 2006, more than 10,500 persons experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness have been approved for SSI/SSDI on initial application 71 percent approval rate on average In an average of 101 days Length of time homeless averaged 2 years SOAR Outcomes

9. SOAR Training • 2-day Stepping Stones to Recovery training • www.prainc.com/soar • Find your State

10. Working for More than Income • Self-worth and self-confidence • Define a role for the person in the community • Foster a connection to others • Add structure to daily life • Critical step in recovery

11. Common Myths • Benefits and health insurance end immediately when start working • You can only work part-time while receiving disability • If Social Security knows you are working, they will say you aren’t disabled anymore

12. SOAR as an Agent of Hope • Employment is possible during and after an application for SSI/SSDI • Develop expertise in work incentives offered by SSA and give examples of how work will affect benefits • Identify and collaborate with employment support services

13. www.njwins.org 1-866-946-7465 Greg Makely Director of Employment Services

14. SSI Work Incentives • Income Exclusion • Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) • Impairment -Related Work Expense (IRWE) • 1619B (Medicaid)

15. SSDI Work Incentives • Trial Work Period (TWP) • Extended Period of Eligibility(EPE) • Subsidy • Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)

16. Reporting to SSA • Always use copies of check stubs to report earnings • Always keep copies of everything you submit • Do your best to submit them in person at the SSA Office for your zip code area. • Always get a receipt from the Claims Rep before leaving the SSA Office. • If you can’t submit in person, send it certified mail,so you have proof SSA received it. • Proof can be used to file a request for reconsideration or a waiver of overpayment. • You may report your earnings over the phone, but this is not recommended.

17. Law Provision 1619A- SSI • Allows SSI recipients to work and keep a portion of their cash benefit. • Established an income test formula, through which all earned and unearned income is run in order to decide what the ongoing need is, so that the check can be adjusted accordingly. • Allows a beneficiary to gradually move from publicsupport to self sufficiency. • Means that check amounts change as often as income changes.

18. Income Test Formula- Earnings 18

19. Law Provision- 1619B • Allows for a beneficiary to remain eligible for Medicaid after SSI check stops, as long as the check was lost due to earned income or 2 special types of unearned income exclusions. • Allows a beneficiary to remain eligible for resumption of cash benefits for 12 months. • Has an annual earnings threshold.

20. Trial Work Period-SSDI • Unless medical recovery is an issue, beneficiaries are entitled to a Trial Work Period (TWP) • TWP provides opportunities to test work skills while maintaining full benefit checks • Begins first month of entitlement to benefits • The Trial Work Amount is annually indexed $720 80 hr. All earnings 60 mo. window 9 mo.

21. Extended Period of Eligibility-SSDI • Begins month following 9thTWP • 36 consecutive months • Eligible for check when earning below the current Substantial Gainful Activity figure • First time at or above SGA, a 3-month “Grace Period” will kick in • After “Grace Period,” ineligible for a check during months earnings are at or above SGA • Remain eligible for Medicare, even when ineligible for a check

22. Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) • Eligible for EXR up to 60 months after EPE or the loss of check eligibility, which may fall outside the EPE, if beneficiary again falls below SGA • The reason for falling back under SGA must be disability related • Up to 6 provisional checks are issued during the determination process • If not reinstated,may be able to keep provisional checks • If reinstated, starting with the first provisional check, a beneficiary receives 24 more months of checks, butnon-consecutively EASY back on!

23. After 24 Months of EXR Beneficiaries are entitled to: • A newTrial Work Period • A new Extended Period of Eligibility • A new 60 month period of Extended Medicare coverage • Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits, should disability dictate the need for such

24. Ticket to Work • Tickets to Work are used to access employment support services.

25. Employment Support Services • The simplified definition of Employment Support Service is assistance in the following areas: • Preparing for work • Getting work • Retaining work

26. Using a Ticket to Work • Can be used immediately, shelved and used later, not used at all • Has no bearing on SSI and SSDI Work Incentives • Can be assigned to an Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agency. • An IWP (Individual Work Plan) must be signed by the beneficiary and EN representative and submitted. • While in use, a ticket is a CDR (Continuing Disability Review) protection, meaning CDR’s cannot be conducted • If a beneficiary doesn’t make timely progress, Ticket usage is suspended and a CDR is conducted immediately.

27. Employment Networks (ENs) • An EN is an entity that contracts with SSA to either provide or coordinate the delivery of the necessary employment services to Social Security disability beneficiaries. • Most EN’s only offer selected employment support services, and may not offer services to certain beneficiaries, so it is recommended to research EN’s in your area. • A listing of EN’s is available at www.yourtickettowork.org • For more information, visit www.chooseworkttw.net

28. Resources • For more information on SSA’s work incentives, visit: • SSA Web site (www.socialsecurity.gov/work) • Ticket to Work: Employment and VR Services • (www.choosework.net) • Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program • Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS or P&A) • Service Provider Directory for WIPA and P&A https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/oesp/providers.nsf/bystate • Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) • Department of Labor, One-Stop Career Centers • http://www.doleta.gov/disability

29. From Homeless to Working: Changing Lives Jennifer Wilcox, Program Director Central City Concern Portland, Oregon

30. Formed in 1979 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization • Provides housing, health and employment services to more than 13,000 unduplicated individuals yearly • $41 million annual budget • 600+ employees • 46% of CCC employees self identify as being in recovery from substance abuse disorders. (650 employees) • 25% of CCC employees are former recipients of our continuum of care. • Mission: Providing comprehensive solutions to ending homelessness and achieving self-sufficiency.

31. Central City ConcernBenefits and Entitlement Specialist Team (BEST) • Trained team of dedicated SSI/SSD Benefit Specialists whom submit very complete disability applications to SSA • BEST outcomes are better than the national average (FY 2010-2011- 84% awarded federal benefits/national average 32%) • BEST applicants had an income increase of over 900% per month. At the start of services BEST clients had an average income of $63 per month. At exit, their incomes averaged $683 per month.

32. Homelessness Addictions Mental Illness Chronic Health Problems Trauma Lack of Insurance Unemployment Criminality Transformative Care Integrated Healthcare Positive Peer Relationships Legitimate income for self-sufficiency benefits. Supportive Housing

33. Volunteerism, Training and Employment • Options that fit a variety of employment readiness – volunteerism, training and employment. • Population specific employment programs for veterans and those exiting incarceration • Nationally-recognized employment development model.

34. CCC Employment Access Center • Career center with 19 computers, phones, resume paper, etc. • 16 employment specialists providing individualized support • 876 individuals served through individualized employment programs • 532 individuals (60%) employed through 459 employers • Average hourly wage $10.43

35. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Model of Supported Employment Principles: • Open to anyone who wants to work • Rapid Job Search • Integrated with Treatment • Focus on Competitive Employment • Systematic Job development • Client preferences guide decisions • Individualized long term supports

36. Working While Waiting for Benefits • Adds weight to the claim • Proves willingness to work • Can strengthen proof of disability • Can speak to the individual’s level of functioning in the work place • Employment better than SSI • Address the fear

37. Becoming An Employment Network Christopher Evans, Program Director Columbus HouseNew Haven, Connecticut

38. Pathways to Independence: Combining SOAR & employment incomes with a holistic approach to recovery and housing. Using holistic, recovery-based incentives to support individuals to engage in employment.

39. Goals of the Pathways Program • Maximize our client’s access to income • Provide accesses to healthcare providers • Facilitate and grow opportunities for client employment • Educational support and assistance for client’s financial stability • Identify and secure housing options in the community

40. Sustainability • Columbus House: Key Players in Pathways • SOAR Case Manager -- 1 • Employment Specialists -- 2 • Outreach and Engagement Case Managers -- 4 • Recovery Support Specialists & Educators -- 4 • Scattered Site Case Managers -- 4 • Shelter Case Managers – 3 • Transitional Housing Case Managers - 3 • GPRA Intake & Services Coordinator - 1

41. The Employment and Enrichment Center (EEC) • Funded in part by the United Way of Greater New Haven • Through Education, Enrichment and Employment, graduates will discover: • Greater Self-Esteem • Stronger Recovery from addiction • Better control of psychiatric symptoms • Greater Confidence • Greater Life Satisfaction • Enjoy a life worth living • Have a life worth saving

42. A 60 hour rigorous program for people who wish to better themselves through education and enrichment. Classes include: Intro to Computers Math Reading & Comprehension Resume and Cover Letter Writing Employment and Search Tools Interviewing Skills Key Train, ONET training & job identification Wellness & Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Starting Your Own Business And More! The Employment and Enrichment Center

43. Sustainability Partners • Career Resources / Connect To Work • New Haven One Stop / CT Labor Office • STRIVE • Veteran’s Affairs • Bureau of Rehabilitation • Project WAGE

44. SOAR: 17 awarded, Total received, FY1 ~$241,200 Employment: 131 employed, 18 F-T, 23 P-T, 90 Temp. Employment earnings: ~$200,450 Gross earnings (both programs): ~$441,650 Taxes paid (20%,both programs): ~$88,330 Circulating in local economy (x3): ~$1,059,960 Outcomes: 10/2011-09/2012

45. The Benefits of Working and Providing Support Bernadette Barbour, Employment Specialist Columbus HouseNew Haven, Connecticut

46. Providing Support • Peer Experience • Employment Spectrum • Job Developing • Employment and Training • Ronald’s Story • EEC Trainings • Mark’s Story

47. Questions and Answers Facilitated By: SAMHSA SOAR TA Center

48. For More Information on SOAR Visit the SOAR website at www.prainc.com/soar SAMHSA SOAR TA Center Policy Research Associates, Inc.518-439-7415soar@prainc.com www.facebook.com/soarworks Twitter: @soarworks