SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a new effort to provide Minnesota's homeless and at-risk Veterans with expanded access to Social Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

SOAR, which stands for SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access and Recovery, is a nationwide program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SOAR helps people with disabilities gain access to SSI and SSDI by identifying people who may be eligible, assisting in preparing high-quality applications, compiling necessary documentation, and supporting individuals throughout the application process. In Minnesota, DHS already collaborates with counties, Tribal governments and non-profit organizations to provide individuals with advocacy and services when applying for SSI/SSDI. This state-federal partnership builds on DHS's work by implementing a SOAR approach to connect Veterans with SSI/SSDI benefits more quickly. Homeless and at-risk Veterans in Minnesota will be provided with a personal SOAR advocate to guide them through the federal application process and help alleviate factors which typically lengthen the time needed to determine a disability claim. These factors often include access to military medical records and other critical documents or verifications.

"We are excited to work together with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to help connect Veterans to the services they need and deserve. Too many of our men and women - who have sacrificed so much of their personal health - now find themselves literally out in the cold," said Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper, DHS.

Homeless and at-risk Veterans applying for benefits face a variety of barriers, including lack of a permanent address, contact information or transportation. For those with a mental illness, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders that impair cognition, the application process is even more difficult - yet accessing these benefits is often a critical first step in recovery. The income from SSI/SSDI could also help homeless and at-risk Veterans secure stable housing.

"We're all in this together, with a shared goal of helping Veterans with disabilities gain more direct access to benefits. Connecting Veterans with an experienced advocate will not only help them navigate the process, it will help ensure applications are complete, resulting in faster determinations," said Area Director Jay Druckrey, SSA.

Outreach is also an important part of this pilot. MDVA will work closely with partners in the Veterans community, including Veteran Service Officers in all 87 counties around the state, the federal VA, and Veteran Service Organizations, to identify and connect with homeless and at-risk Veterans who may be eligible for SOAR.

"I am proud of the work we have done in Minnesota," said Commissioner Larry Shellito, MDVA. "Since 2010 we have cut Veteran homelessness in half, something we could only accomplish with help from our valuable partners. Together we can - and will - bring our Veterans all the way home."

Veterans who would like to connect with a SOAR advocate should call 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) or visit MinnesotaVeteran.org.

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About MDVA
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.

About DHS
The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides health care, economic assistance, social services and other supports to more than one million Minnesotans. For more information, visit the DHS website (http://mn.gov/dhs/).

About SSA
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov