Social Security

What is a Plan to Achieve Self–Support (PASS)?

A PASS is a written plan of action for getting a particular kind of job or starting a business.  In it you identify: 

• the job or business (this is your work goal);
• the steps you will take and the things you will need in order to achieve your work goal (for example:  education or training, transportation, child care, or assistive technology);
• the money you will use to pay for these things (this may be any income (other than SSI benefits) or assets, such as Social Security benefits, wages from a current job, or savings); and
• a timetable for achieving your goal.

How can a PASS help me achieve my work goal?

If SSA approves your PASS, we will not count the money you spend on your plan when we determine your eligibility for SSI.  If you are already eligible for SSI, this will increase your SSI benefit, which will replace all of the money you spend on your PASS.

Who may have a PASS?

You may have a PASS if :

you would be eligible for SSI based on disability if not for your income and/or assests; or

you are already eligible for SSI and have income that reduces the amount of SSI you receive;

and using a PASS to reach your employment goal ultimately will help you to reduce or eliminate benefits you receive from SSI, social security, or both.

How do I set up a PASS?

Anybody may help you write a PASS including a vocational counselor or a relative. We can also help you with a PASS or refer you to someone who can help you write a plan.

You can get a copy of the PASS application Form SSA–545–BK from your local Social Security office or online at: www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-545.html.

You can get a PASS Specialist’s telephone number by calling our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and asking for a PASS Specialist’s number or by visiting our website at:  www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/passcadre.htm

You can ask for a pamphlet entitled “Working While Disabled – A Plan for Achieving Self-Support” (SSA Publication No. 05-11017).  It is also available online at:  www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11017.html.

For more information, go to the Social Security website at: ­ www.socialsecurity.gov/work.

Are there any other rules that may help?

Other SSI work rules such as work expense exclusions, the student earned income exclusion, and continued Medicaid coveragemay help an SSI recipient while working.