|
Neighborhood
Legal Services, Inc.
|
|
SSI's Plan For Achieving Self Support (PASS)
What is a PASS?
A way to achieve a work goal
A way to exclude income & resources
A way to obtain or retain SSI
Criteria for PASS Approval:
Must be in writing using Form SSA-545
Must contain:
A feasible occupational goal
A savings and spending plan
A list of items and services needed and their cost
A timetable for achieving the goal
Must be expected to increase person’s prospect for self support
The Feasible Occupational Goal:
Must specify a job or profession
Must have reasonable chance of attaining goal
Supported employment can be a goal
Vocational evaluation can be interim goal
What Goes Into a PASS?
Earned income
Unearned income
Resources
Savings, personal injury award, inheritance, lump sum Social Security or SSI award
Allowable Expenses:
All reasonable and necessary expenses
Examples
- College or training costs
- Transportation, including vehicle purchase
- Supported employment
- Business start-up costs
- Child care
Time Limits:
In the past, a PASS could be approved for no more than 48 months.
Based on amendments to SSI regulations and policy, a PASS can be approved for whatever period is reasonable to allow the individual to achieve a work goal.
Time periods of five years or more can be approved, on a case-by-case basis, to pursue a necessary college program, for example, to reach a chosen work goal.
The Social Security Administration’s PASS specialist can be expected to review the approved PASS plan at least once per year to make sure the individual is complying with its terms.
Prepared by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. - Update January
2008
(716) 847-0650 • Work Incentives Hotline: 1-888-224-3272 • www.nls.org
