If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and are eager to work, the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) might be just what you need. Let’s delve into what a PASS is and how you can set one up to reach your employment goals.
What is a plan to achieve self-support (PASS)?
A PASS is a written plan designed to help individuals with disabilities return to work. It allows you to set aside income or resources, other than your SSI payments, to pay for items or services you need to achieve a specific work goal. This could include expenses like education, vocational training, starting a business, or purchasing assistive technology. By setting aside funds in a PASS, Social Security doesn’t count this money when determining your SSI eligibility and payment amount, potentially increasing your SSI benefits.
Who is eligible for a PASS?
You may qualify for a PASS if:
- You’re receiving SSI: If you’re already on SSI and have additional income that reduces your benefit amount, a PASS can help.
- You’re eligible for SSI: If you receive SSDI or have other income or resources that make you ineligible for SSI, setting aside this income in a PASS could make you eligible.
Essentially, if you have income or resources other than SSI and a desire to work, a PASS might be right for you.
How does a PASS work?
Here’s how a PASS can support your journey to employment:
- Set Aaside funds: Allocate income or resources (like SSDI benefits, wages, or savings) into a PASS to cover expenses related to your work goal.
- Increase SSI eligibility: The funds you set aside aren’t counted when determining your SSI eligibility, which could increase your SSI payment or make you newly eligible.
- Achieve work goals: Use the saved funds to pay for necessary expenses like tuition, equipment, transportation, or business start-up costs.
For example, if you receive SSDI and it disqualifies you from SSI due to income limits, placing your SSDI income into a PASS could reduce your countable income, making you eligible for SSI benefits.
What expenses can a PASS cover?
A PASS can fund various expenses essential to achieving your work goal, such as:
- Education and training: Tuition, books, and supplies for school or vocational programs.
- Transportation: Costs for travel to and from work or training, including vehicle modifications.
- Equipment and tools: Items necessary for your job or business, like computers or machinery.
- Childcare: Services needed while you’re working or in training.
- Assistive technology: Devices or modifications to help you perform work tasks.
The key is that these expenses must be directly related to reaching your employment objective.
How do I set up a PASS?
Creating a PASS involves several steps:
- Identify your work goal: Determine a specific job or business you aim to pursue.
- Outline steps and needs: List the steps to achieve this goal and the items or services required.
- Estimate costs and timeline: Calculate the expenses and set a reasonable timeline for each step.
- Complete the application: Fill out Form SSA-545-BK, available on the Social Security Administration’s website or at your local office.
- Submit for approval: Submit your completed plan to Social Security for review.
It’s beneficial to seek assistance when developing your PASS. Vocational rehabilitation counselors, organizations that support people with disabilities, or Social Security’s PASS specialists can provide guidance to ensure your plan is comprehensive and feasible.
Where can I find help with my PASS?
Assistance is available to lead you through the PASS process:
- Vocational rehabilitation agencies: These agencies offer counseling and services to aid your employment goals.
- Work incentive planning and assistance (WIPA) projects: These projects provide you with free benefits counseling to help you better understand how work and earnings affect your benefits.
- Social security PASS experts: Dial the Social Security office in your location to talk to a PASS expert who will be able to guide you through the application process.
Stepping into a job with a PASS can bring greater independence and economic security. With the right plan and support, achieving your work goals is attainable.
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