The SOAR Program: Helping Veterans Navigate SSI and SSDI
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the SOAR program help eligible Veterans and family members navigate the Social Security disability process.
Guests:
- Kal Johnson – Supervisor, Veteran SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Program, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)
- Charles Rosenfield – Senior Representative, Veteran SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Program, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)
- Adam – United States Marine
SOAR—SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery—is a nationally recognized advocacy model adapted by MDVA for the Veteran experience. The program is free and available to eligible Minnesota Veterans and their families, including National Guard and Reserve members—even without a deployment. Eligibility may be based on Minnesota residency, military service, being a spouse or surviving spouse of someone who served, if you have a disability expected to last at least 12 months, or are experiencing or being at risk of homelessness. There are no barriers based on discharge status, and every eligible applicant receives the same offer of support.
SOAR advocates can assist Veterans at any stage, from an initial claim through reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge. They help determine which benefits to pursue, gather medical and military records, and translate a person’s functional limitations—such as challenges with lifting, standing, concentration, pace, or attendance—into information relevant to Social Security’s review.
The episode also features a Marine Corps Veteran who connected with SOAR through a VA community outreach clinic after experiencing years of untreated needs, job loss, and homelessness. After an initial denial, SOAR provided representation through the hearing process and ultimately helped the Veteran secure their benefits that are being used to help cover household expenses and repay family members who provided support.
The message is simple: Don’t let fear of a denial keep you from applying.
Veterans can self-refer at MinnesotaVeteran.org/SOAR or connect through their County Veteran Service Officer or LinkVet at 1-888-546-5838. SOAR also works with partners including the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, Homeless Veteran Registry, Every Third Saturday, Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul, and the St. Cloud VA.
Through patient, Veteran-to-Veteran advocacy, SOAR is helping Minnesota Veterans and their families pursue stable income while working toward housing and other support. It’s never too late to reach out.
