Colorado Disability Benefits Support Program

Programs: Individuals served in 2017:-102 ssi/ssdi applications submitted -663 screenings/assessments for ssi/ssdi eligibility-group navigation services for 55 individuals -109 individuals provided ips employment services-28 webinars with total 250 attendees-4 soar trainings with total 33 attendees-11 community trainings with total 223 attendeesthere was a disruption of service for most programs due to winding down activities. Accomplishments from 2012-2017:-over 1500 applications submitted -over 3000 screenings/assessments for ssi/ssdi eligibility-group navigation services for over 1000 individuals-600 practitioners trained to provide ssi/ssdi assistance-overall approval rate at 60% - double the national rate & 5 times the national rate for homeless individuals-generated over 5. 5 million dollars in benefits-money that flows back into the local economy-colorado dbs serves the colorado soar state lead agency-colorado dbs has nationally certified soar trainers-colorado dbs leads and hosts the colorado soar advisory council with representation from: social security administration; national soar technical assistance center; colorado office of behavioral health (obh); colorado governor's office, centura health links; metro community providers network; colorado department of corrections; metro denver homeless initiative; colorado coalition for the homeless; division of housing homeless prevention team; el paso county continuum of care, pikes peak united way; colorado behavioral healthcare council; denver community resource and referral center; volunteers of america-supportive services for veterans and their families; division of veterans affairs; independent living centers; and, community-based nonprofit agencies