Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

This page provides general information on the Plan to Achieve Self-Support or PASS. For more information, select Links About PASS.

What is a PASS?

  • A PASS is a written plan that allows you to set aside income, other than your Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other things you own for a specified time to help you reach your work goal.
  • The money you set aside must be used to pay for expenses associated with reaching your goal. Some common expenses include supplies to start a business, school expenses, equipment and tools, transportation, uniforms, and childcare.
  • Your work goal should allow you to earn enough to reduce or eliminate your need for benefits provided under both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI programs.

How does a PASS help someone return to work?

  • Under SSI rules, any income that you have may reduce your SSI payment. But, if you have an approved plan, you can use that income for the items you need to reach your work goal. We don’t count the income you set aside for your PASS when we decide your SSI payment amount. This can reduce your countable income enough for you to get a higher SSI payment.
  • If you receive SSDI but have too much income to be eligible for SSI, you can set aside all or a portion of your SSDI to pay for your PASS expenses. We don’t count the SSDI you set aside for your PASS when we decide your SSI payment amount. This can reduce your countable income enough to qualify for SSI.
  • In addition, to be eligible for SSI, your resources (money or the things you own) can’t be worth more than $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a couple. However, if you have an approved plan, you can use your resources to pay for the items or services you need to reach your work goal. Resources set aside for a plan don’t count against the resource limit. This could help you qualify for SSI or continue receiving SSI.

How do I apply for a PASS?

  • To start, download the application or contact your local Social Security office for an application (Form SSA-545-BK).
  • You can get help in setting up a plan from a vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor; an organization that helps people with disabilities; a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program; Benefits Specialists or Protection and Advocacy organizations who have contracts with us; Employment Networks involved in the Ticket to Work program; your local Social Security office; or anyone else willing to help.
  • Your application must state your specific work goal and include what training, items, or services you need to reach your goal, how much these items and services cost, steps you need to take, and how long you’ll need to complete each step.
  • If your goal is self-employment, you must also submit a business plan.

What happens after I apply for a PASS?

  • Your local office will send your application to the PASS review team.
  • A PASS expert will review the plan to determine if your work goal is reasonable; that you need the items and services listed to achieve your work goal; and that the items are reasonably priced.
  • If your plan needs to be revised, the PASS expert will discuss the changes directly with you.
  • If we do not approve the PASS, you can appeal the decision.

For more information and examples of how you can use a PASS please visit the Red Book.

The Ticket to Work Program and PASS can provide dual assistance in your return-to-work efforts.  Learn more about Ticket to Work; and review the Plan to Achieve Self-Support and Ticket to Work Guide.