Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
A PASS is a written plan of action for getting a particular kind of job or starting a business. In it you identify the job or business (this is your work goal), the steps you will take and the things you will need in order to achieve your work goal (for example: education or training, transportation, child care, or assistive technology), the money you will use to pay for these things, other than Supplemental Security Income (SSI), such as Social Security benefits, wages from a current job, or savings, and a timetable for achieving your goal.
HOW CAN A PASS HELP ME ACHIEVE MY WORK GOAL?
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves your PASS, they will not count the money you spend on your plan when they determine your eligibility for SSI. If you are already eligible for SSI, this will increase your SSI benefit, which will replace all of the money you spend on your PASS.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A PASS?
You may be eligible for a PASS if you would be eligible for SSI based on disability if not for your income and/or assets or if you are already eligible for SSI and have income that reduces the amount of SSI you receive and using a PASS to reach your employment goal ultimately will help you to reduce or eliminate benefits you receive from SSI, social security, or both.
HOW DO I SET UP A PASS?
Anybody may help you write a PASS including a vocational counselor or a relative. SSA can also help you with a PASS or refer you to someone who can help you write a plan.
You can get a copy of the PASS application Form SSA–545–BK from your local Social Security office or online at: www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-545.html.
You can get a PASS Specialist’s telephone number by calling SSA’s toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and asking for a PASS Specialist’s number or by visiting the PASS Specialist’s Website.
You can also ask for a pamphlet entitled “Working While Disabled – A Plan for Achieving Self-Support”.
For more information, go to the Social Security website at: – www.socialsecurity.gov/work.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER RULES THAT MAY HELP?
Other SSI work rules such as work expense exclusions, the student earned income exclusion, and continued Medicaid coverage may help an SSI recipient while working.
