SSI - PASS Plan for Acheiving Self-Support

Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) Program

At the April 2007 CRC Information Session, Ira Abramson from the Social Security Administration presented on the PASS program, including an overview and detailed examples of this work incentive program.

What is a PASS?

A Plan for Achieving Self-Support, or PASS, is a program designed by the Social Security Administration for disabled or blind individuals who want to work , who need funds to reach a specific work goal and have some money other than SSI payments. The PASS program allows individuals to retain their own income or other resources above the usual Supplemental Security Income (SSI) resource limits to reach this goal. The plan must be in writing and approved by Social Security.

How does a PASS affect an individual’s SSI benefit?

To receive SSI benefits, a disabled individual’s resources cannot be worth more than $2000, or $3000 for a couple. By general SSI rules, any additional income the individual receives will reduce their SSI payment. An approved PASS allows clients to set excess resources aside toward a work goal and may help them qualify for SSI benefits if otherwise they would have been ineligible. This excess money is not counted when Social Security calculates the client’s payment amount so it might also increase the SSI payment. The goal of the PASS program is to eventually reduce or eliminate an individual’s SSI benefit one they reach their job goal. For SSDI only beneficiaries, once the client has reached their work-related goal, the earnings from the job must eliminate the SSDI payment completely.

What is an appropriate work goal?

A work goal should be based on a job the applicant is interested in and that is achievable. SSA can refer to vocational rehabilitation counselors to help interested candidates design a suitable plan. The work goal must be feasible, meaning that there is a reasonable change of the individual being able to perform the work based on the nature of his/her disability, as well as his/her strengths and abilities. Generally a PASS can only be used to qualify for an entry level position in a given field. So, for instance, expenses towards an associates or bachelor’s degree might be appropriate, but not a more advanced degree. The individual should determine steps or “milestones” towards that work goal and items or services needed to reach it.

What are appropriate related expenses?

A good plan will demonstrate how the item or service will help reach the work goal. It is not sufficient to seek a degree or a new car, the resources must be necessary for the client to attain a specific job or profession.

Expenses must be:

Additional – the expense must not have existed before the individual started pursuing the work goal. Expenses such as rent or utility bills, for example, would not qualify.
Necessary – The goal must not be achievable in the absence of the expense.
Reasonable – the item or service must be reasonably priced. Clients are often asked to comparison shop for moderately priced items or resources within the geographic area.

Expenses often include:

Tuition, fees, books, and supplies
Supported employment services
Attendant care
Child Care
Equipment and tools
Transportation expenses
Job search and relocation expenses
Uniforms or special clothing (including interview clothes)

How does a PASS affect food stamps and other federal benefit programs?

An individual’s money set aside for their approved PASS is not counted when their eligibility for federal benefit programs, such as food stamps or public housing, is determined.

How does someone apply for a PASS?

An individual can contact the Boston regional PASS Cadre office at 800-297-4291, or contact their local Social Security office in other areas, to find out how to receive an application for the PASS program. Additionally, the application may be downloaded online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm. Note for SSA to be able to communicate with an advocate about the PASS, the contact information and client approval box must be checked on page 2 of the application.

Once the PASS application is completed and signed by the individual it should be submitted to the local Social Security office. A copy of the application will then be sent to the PASS Cadre (program expert) within a week for approval. The individual applying for the PASS program will receive a letter stating either approval or denial of the plan. If the plan is denied, the individual has the right to appeal the decision. More information regarding appeals will be provided in the denial letter.

Tips For Completing A ‘Good’ PASS Application

Make sure a specific work goal has been identified
Include well-defined milestones that show the steps needed to reach the work goal, ending with date of job search and employment
Clearly list items or resources necessary to achieve the work goal and why they are key to the client’s vocational success
Illustrate that the expenses are additional, necessary, and reasonable in cost
Keep Social Security informed if the individual cannot complete, needs to make changes to, or would like to write a new PASS

MassHealth and Medicare Transition Periods after PASS

When an individual completes their PASS, they may be eligible for continued coverage through MassHealth or Medicare for a certain period of time. To determine eligibility for these benefits and for information on additional work incentive programs, see www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/detailedinfo.htm or contact the local Social Security office.

Boston Regional PASS Cadre Contact Information
SSA Room 14810 Causeway StreetBoston, MA 02222
Ira Abramson
(p) 800.297.4291
(f) 617.367.9167

For more information, also see: www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-plans-self-support.htm

-Special thanks to Ira Abramson for his presentation and help editing this article.

4/07