Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS)
The Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) is a work incentive that allows a beneficiary to set aside income and/or resources, for a specific period of time to achieve a work goal. For example, a beneficiary may set aside money for college tuition or room and board, the purchase of job coaching supports, personal transportation including a car, job related equipment or anything that will assist you in achieving your vocational work goal.
The income and/ or resources set aside in a PASS Plan do not count in determining your SSI payment amount or determining resource limits. SSI cash benefits cannot be used to support a PASS Plan. There needs to be a second source of income, usually from employment. If a student under 18 cannot satisfy the SSI income eligibility requirements only because his or her parent's income is too high, the student may apply for a PASS Plan through which their parents can set aside enough income to make the student eligible for SSI benefits. The PASS Plan is similar to the IEP/Transition Plan. It establishes job related goals and objectives. Because of these similarities, it is possible to incorporate a PASS Plan into an IEP Transition Plan. A transitioning student may benefit from a PASS Plan while in school or after graduation. The basic requirements of a PASS Plan include:
- A feasible and reasonable occupational goal
- A defined timetable
- Income or resources, other than SSI benefits to be set-aside in a special PASS bank account
- An explanation of expenditures to be covered by set aside funds
The PASS Plan should be considered during the IEP/Transition Plan development process even if it is not to be used while the student is still in school. A PASS Plan may be used by any individual receiving SSI beginning at age fourteen. Some students can benefit from a PASS Plan while in school and also after they leave school to further their vocational goal by purchasing additional training or transportation, for example. As part of the transitioning planning process, the planning team may incorporate the further use of a PASS Plan into the IEP/Transition Plan.
The most likely candidate for a PASS Plan are students who currently receive SSI, want to work and have a goal in their IEP, are in school or vocational training program, plan post secondary training, or plan to start their own business. A PASS Plan can be used to support a number of expenses related to employment goal including:
- Tuition, fees, books and supplies for school or training program
- Supportive employment services, including job coaching
- Attendant care
- Equipment and tools needed to work
- Transportation
To receive a PASS Plan a student must complete a PASS Plan application (SSA-545-BK) and submit it to the local Social Security office or to the PASS Cadre in Buffalo. Anyone may assist a student to develop a PASS Plan, including special education teachers, vocational counselors and Independent Living Centers like Northern Regional Center for Independent Living in Watertown or Lowville. A distinct advantage of a PASS Plan is that it allows the student to be proactive in securing necessary training, support or services to enhance employment opportunities.
For more information, contact Bill Cripp; Community Work Incentive Coordinator @ 785-8703