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(The following information is based on The Red Book from the Social Security Administration, as well as insights and information provided by Employment Works/CP of Colorado.)

PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) – allows you to set aside income and/or resources for a specified time for a work goal.  For example, you could set aside money to pay expenses for education, vocational training, or starting a business as long as the expenses are related to achieving your work goal.  

The SSA does not count the income that you set aside under your PASS when it figures your SSI payment amount. It does not count the resources that you set aside under your PASS when it determines your initial and continuing eligibility for SSI.  

A PASS can help you establish or maintain SSI eligibility and can increase your SSI payment amount. It does not affect any SGA determination for your initial eligibility decision.

Who can have a PASS? 
If you receive SSI or could qualify for SSI, you can have a plan. For example, if you have too much income to be eligible for SSI now, using the income to pay PASS expenses may make you eligible for SSI. You may not need a plan now, but you may need one next month or next year to remain eligible or to increase your SSI payment amount.

What are the Requirements for a PASS? 
In brief, your plan must:
• Be designed especially for you;
• Be in writing (the SSA prefers that you use its form, the SSA-545-BK);
• Have a specific work goal that you are capable of performing;
• Have a specific timeframe for reaching your goal;
• Show what money (other than your SSI payments) and other resources you have or receive that you will use to reach your goal;
• Show how your money and resources will be used to reach your work goal;
• Show how the money you set aside will be kept separate from other funds;
• Be approved by the SSA; and
• Be reviewed by the SSA periodically to assure your plan is actually helping you achieve progress.

Who can help you set up a PASS? 
Anyone may help you with your PASS; for example, vocational counselors, social workers, benefit specialists or employers. The SSA evaluates the plan and decides if it is acceptable. The SSA also helps individuals put their plans in writing.

How does a PASS affect your SSI eligibility and/or payment? 
The SSA does not count resources set aside under a PASS towards the resource limit. When it figures your SSI payment amount, the SSA does not count income set aside under a PASS.  It applies this exclusion to your countable income after applying all other applicable exclusions.

For more information about PASS, you can get a PASS Expert’s toll-free telephone number by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting the PASS web site at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/passcadre.htm.

You can get copies of the PASS form, SSA-545-BK, at your local office, from any PASS Expert, or from the Web site.