2.3.2 Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)
Louisiana Statewide Transition Project and Louisiana: Healthy and Ready to Work Fact Sheet Series
	4/26/99

I. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Most people would rather work than stay home. However, sometimes going to work can be a big step for a young adult with a disability. If monthly cash benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are being received, young adults may be afraid of losing cash benefits and Medicaid or Medicare coverage when going to work. It is important for young adults with disabilities to understand that needed benefits may still be received while working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has Work Incentives that allow benefit recipients to work and continue to receive necessary cash benefits and/or Medicaid or Medicare coverage, until no longer needed (as determined by the Social Security Administration's Guidelines). One of these Work Incentives is the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS).

II. KEY POINTS

Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is a Social Security Work Incentive for SSI recipients only. With an approved PASS, SSI recipients may exclude from earnings any monies paid for equipment, services, training, or education needed for work. PASS also allows them to set aside income or resources in order to start a business (self-employment requires a detailed business plan). Like other Social Security Work Incentives, PASS is designed to encourage and support SSI recipients in the effort to pursue and maintain employment. A PASS allows a SSI recipient to set aside money and/or resources for a specific period of time to help reach a work goal. By setting aside this money and/or resources, the SSI recipient can keep more of the SSI payment each month. If a young adult is not receiving SSI because of income or resources that exceed the SSA's limits, setting up a PASS may help him/her qualify.

Under SSI rules, SSI checks are reduced by any other income. However, the income or resources used or set aside under a PASS are not considered when SSI eligibility and/or payments are calculated. Under regular SSI rules, a young adult would not be eligible for SSI if personal resources exceed $2000 if single, $3000 if married. However, with an approved PASS, he/she may set aside additional resources that will not count against the resource limit. Monies that are saved and/or any item purchased under an approved PASS are not counted against the resource limit while the plan is active.

A PASS may be used to pay for many expenses that will help a SSI recipient reach a work goal. Examples of items and/or services a PASS may help an individual obtain are:

· supplies to start a business;

· tuition, fees, books, and supplies needed for school or training;

· supported-employment services, including payments for an employment specialist (job coach);

· attendant care or child care expenses;

· equipment and tools needed on a job;

· transportation to and from work; and

· uniforms, special clothing, and safety equipment.

The Social Security Administration has developed a form to be used when developing a PASS. This form must be completed and submitted to the Social Security Administration for approval. The SSA estimates that it will take about 45 minutes to complete the form. The following areas of information are required on the PASS application form:

Work Goal: The goal must be a reasonable job. A reasonable job is one the young adult is interested in and is expected to be able to do at the end of the plan. An explanation of how income may differ as a result of attaining this work goal must be given, and other questions must be answered.

Medical/Vocational/Educational Background: This section requires an explanation of the nature of the disability and how it affects employment status. Next, a description of work and educational history must be given, as well as information on any vocational evaluation done in the past. Finally, there are questions regarding any help received applying for a PASS. SSI recipients may set up and write a plan themselves or get help from another person. People who may help include a vocational rehabilitation counselor, an employer, an employment specialist (job coach), a relative or friend, or personnel from the Social Security office.

The Plan: In this section, an outline of the steps to be taken to reach the work goal must be given. Beginning and ending dates for each step, as well as expected dates for the purchase of items or services required to reach the goal, are included.

Plan Expenditures and Disbursements: This section of the form requires a list of items or services that need to be purchased in order to reach the work goal. Only additional expenses incurred because of the plan may be included, not expenses being paid prior to beginning the PASS. The item or service, why this item or service is needed, the vendor or provider of the item or service, and the cost(s) must also be included.

Income/Resource Exclusions: In this section, any income or resources already possessed or accessed which will be used to reach the goal must be explained. Examples of such income or resources include: equipment or property owned; money already saved; living expenses; and any other money or services received from another person or organization.

Remarks: In this section, additional, relevant information that was not asked for in previous sections may be given.

Agreement: This section of the form requires the applicant to agree to certain requirements if the plan is approved. Such requirements include: complying with the terms and conditions of the plan as approved by the SSA; reporting any changes in the plan to the SSA; keeping records and receipts of all expenditures; and using the income or resources set aside under the plan to buy only the items or services approved by the SSA.

Other Points: The application for a PASS must include a realistic time frame. Costs must be based on research and documented with written estimates when appropriate. Finally, it is helpful to include a vocational evaluation or assessment that supports the plan.

After reviewing a plan, the SSA sends a letter notifying the applicant if the plan has been approved or disapproved. This may take several months. If the plan is approved, the SSA will contact the young adult from time to time to make sure the PASS is being followed. If the young adult is not able to complete the plan, a new plan with a new work goal may be set up. Any changes in a plan must be submitted to the SSA in writing for approval. If the plan is not approved, the decision may be appealed. Young adults may also submit a new plan for consideration.

III. ROLES/NEXT STEPS

Students/Young Adults:

Young adults who are working or would like to work should talk with family and agency personnel and ask for information on Work Incentives. Young adults should ask adults supporting them in their transition to help them access programs.

Young adults who receive SSI payments should contact the nearest Social Security Office and speak with a Work Incentive Liaison. They should find out more about PASS and, if beneficial, apply for it. A family member or friend can help if support or assistance is needed. When speaking with the Work Incentive Liaison in the Social Security office, young adults can ask about other Social Security Work Incentive programs.

Young adults with an approved PASS must inform the SSA as soon as possible about any changes that might affect the plan. It is very important to keep record of all correspondence, contacts with personnel, bills, and receipts.

Families:

Families should learn about PASS and other Social Security Work Incentives that allow young adults to work and keep needed Social Security benefits. Families should provide needed assistance to young adults in applying for this Work Incentive at the nearest Social Security office.

When discussing the transition to employment with agency personnel, families should ask about various Work Incentives for which their son/daughter may be eligible. If incentives are identified, they should help their son/daughter apply.

Agencies:

Agency representatives supporting young adults in the transition to employment should contact the nearest Social Security office to find out more about PASS and other Social Security Work Incentives. Social Security offices have brochures and other printed material about programs that can be shared with young adults and their families.

Agency representatives should offer informational workshops on this and other Social Security topics for young adults and families. Personnel in local or district Social Security offices can be contacted to provide information about programs.

As requested, personnel from the SSA should attend meetings at which transition to employment is discussed. They can also serve on a local interagency transition team. By providing information to Local Education Agencies, families, and young adults, SSA personnel can help young adults plan for employment without the fear of losing needed benefits prematurely.

IV. RESOURCES/CONTACTS

Social Security Administration

Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (voice) or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)

Internet: www.ssa.gov

The Employment Network of Louisiana

1100 Florida Avenue, Bldg. 119

New Orleans, LA 70119

1-800-597-0441

V. REFEERENCES

Social Security Administration. (May, 1995). Working While Disabled: How Social Security can help (SSA Publication No. 05-10095). [available via internet at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs]

Social Security Administration. (August, 1995). Red book on Work Incentives for People with Disabilities (SSA Publication No. 64-030). [available via internet at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs]

Social Security Administration Office of Disability. (January, 1996). Graduating to Independence.