My name is Bertha and I graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2005. In 1979, I suffered a spinal cord injury. This traumatic event left me a quadriplegic. Suddenly, I was faced with a whole new set of challenges (in addition to those of single motherhood) i.e. personal care assistance, accessibility, and learning the needs and limitations of my new physical condition.
While grappling with my new circumstances, I became a stay-at-home mom. During that time, with the assistance independent living centers, I moved from Michigan to Southern California. Because I require almost total personal care, the guidance and support of their personal assistance coordinators, in particular, proved key to my independence. After my daughter grew up and left home, I decided to return to school. Again, I was the beneficiary of unfailing support and encouragement via the Department of Rehabilitation.
There, my vocational rehabilitation counselor told me about Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), one of Social Security’s work incentive programs. She explained that PASS might help me save towards my goal of becoming employed. Then she referred me to a PASS cadre who thoroughly described how the program works: the types of assistance it provides, its eligibility requirements and rules & regulations. I applied, was accepted, and therefore able to save enough money to purchase a modified van, so I would have reliable transportation for work. This helped me obtain work as the personal assistance/outreach coordinator at an independent living center. It is extremely gratifying to “pay it forward” by sharing knowledge I gained while on PASS.
The Basics
Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) helps an SSI or SSDI beneficiary use earned income or resources to save money in a special protected account to achieve employment goals. You can use it to go to school, get training, start a business, etc. Your PASS Plan is designed to help you work your way off of needing disability benefits.
PASS funds can be used for:
- Tuition, books, fees, supplies, etc for school or training
- Transportation to and from work
- Child care
- Attendant care
- Employment services (job coaching, resume writing)
- Supplies to start a business
- And many more things
A PASS can fund any goods/services that will enable you to achieve your work goal and reduce your reliance on benefits.
FAQs & Facts
Who is eligible to use it?
An individual who receives SSI benefits, or who might qualify for SSI, or any person receiving SSDI (or a similar benefit) and could qualify for SSI, may be able to have a PASS plan. The plan has to be approved by Social Security and you have to apply for it.
How does a student get signed up to use it?
The student must have a specific work goal that is feasible. The PASS form must be designed specifically for the person and be in writing. You are encouraged to receive assistance in writing your PASS plan. You can get help from SSA PASS cadres, vocational counselors, social workers, case managers, employment specialists, or employers.
What type of reporting requirements are there during the use of this work incentive?
- The plan has to be approved by Social Security and you have to apply for it. If your plan is denied, you can appeal the decision.
- If you decide you want to change your plan later on, you can do it, but you have to get approval from Social Security before you make the changes (this has to be done in writing).
- If you find that you can’t complete your plan, you need to let Social Security know – they might be able to help you change the plan so that you can complete it or help you make a new plan.
Helpful hints using, signing up for, or tracking this work incentive.
In order to set up your plan, you need:
- Pick your work goal (something you want to do and can do). Vocational rehabilitation services may help you figure this out.
- Figure out what it’s going to take – the steps you need to take and how long it’ll take to complete each step – be specific!
- Decide what you’re going to need to reach your goal, whether it is training, transportation, childcare, etc. You need to explain how each thing you need will help you reach your goal.
- Figure out how much everything will cost… get more than one estimate on each item, only things that are reasonably priced will fly with Social Security.
- Find out how much money you are going to have to set aside each month to pay for these things. Putting dollars into a PASS usually will increase your SSI check because social security won’t count money going into pass as income.
- Explain how you’re going to keep the money you’re saving separate from other money you have (for example in a separate savings account). Remember: money in a PASS doesn’t count as a resource for the $2,000 asset limit in SSI or Medicaid.
- If you plan to start your own business, include a detailed business plan (get help with this, it’s not an easy task).
- Complete the application.
- Send it in! Remember, there are organizations (PASS cadres and others) that can help you write this plan. It can really help to have someone who has done this before help you!
Anything else?
Once you’ve submitted your application, a Social Security plan expert will review it. This person will:
- Make sure the plan is complete.
- Decide if the plan will help you reach your goal.
- Decide if the expenses are necessary to reach your goal (and if they are priced reasonably).
- Decide if changes need to be made and discuss these changes with you.
- Let you know if the plan has been approved or denied.