Using a PASS to Minimize Loss of Benefits while Working

PASS	AUDIO "Click on Text for text of audio"

A Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) allows a person with
a disability to set aside otherwise countable income and/or resources for a period of time in order to achieve a work goal.

Who is Qualified?

Who May Help Set Up a Plan?

What are Possible PASS Expenditures?

Examples of Successful PASS Plans

Download a PASS form: pdf or word document

There is no limit to the number of successful PASS plans
a person may use in a lifetime.

Basic Requirements for a PASS

The plan must:

Be designed specifically for the person
Be in writing, either on a PASS form or, if not, covering all the same information
Have a specific work goal that the person is capable of performing (unless there is evidence to the contrary, SSA PASS Specialists should presume an occupational goal to be feasible, and a PASS to be viable)
Have a specific time frame for reaching the goal
Show what money and any other contributions will be used to reach the work goal
Show how the money and resources will be saved/spent
Show how any money set aside in savings will be kept separate from other funds
Be approved by the Social Security Administration PASS Cadre
Be reviewed periodically to assure compliance
Decrease reliance on the Social Security system by reducing the amount of benefits received by the end of the PASS (see exception below for Supported Employment)
Also include a Business Plan if the PASS is for self-employment

Source: passplan.org, The University of Montana Rural Institute