Elements of a Plan to Achieve Self-Support

A Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) must:

Be in writing

• Preferred on form SSA-545
• Signed by the individual, and, if applicable, the representative payee

State a work goal

• Must be specific (e.g., carpenter, computer programmer)
• Can be VR assessment
• "Getting a degree" or "buying a car" are not acceptable goals
• Reasonable chance of achieving goal, considering strength and abilities

Contain a reasonable time frame

• Must have projected beginning and ending dates
• Must have milestones indicating interval steps
• Last step must indicate how job will be obtained

Have expenses that are necessary to achieve the work goal

• Must have additional expenses other than everyday living expenses
• Expenses must be reasonably priced
• Major expenses (e.g., vehicle) can be paid through down payment and installment payments
• Expenses must be paid by beneficiary

Learn about general information on the PASS program.