How does a PASS work?  A PASS lets an SSI applicant or recipient exclude income or resources that would ordinarily be counted in determining eligibility for SSI benefits so long as the money earned or set aside is used for a specific occupational goal.  A PASS plan must be in writing.  It must propose a reasonable and specific work goal that the recipient/applicant can reach in a specific period of time. It must show what money and other resources will be used to reach the goal, how the money and resources will be used, and how the money will be kept separate from other funds.  The PASS must be approved by SSA. 

Money set aside for a PASS may be used for a variety of work or work related expenses including tuition at trade school or college; tools and equipment to use on the job; supplies to start a business; prosthetic devices (hearing aids, low vision aids); adaptive devices to be used at home, work, or in a vehicle to make the workplace accessible;  purchase of a vehicle; job coach services and other costs associated with supported employment; child care; or anything else specifically tied to achieving an occupational goal. 

A PASS may be used to establish eligibility for SSI as well as to make a current recipient eligible for more SSI.  For example, Linda Davis was not eligible for SSI because she already received $680/month in SSDI. Once her PASS was approved letting her save her $680 SSDI check to cover costs of training as a computer programmer she became eligible for $614 a month from SSI and MediCal as well as the Medicare she already received through SSDI. 

SSI recipient Bill Rogers increased his monthly income while saving under his PASS.  Mr. Rogers' mental problems prevented him from working with other people.  His PASS allowed him to save his $320 monthly private disability pension check in a special account to establish a home business as a medical records consultant. He was then eligible for an increase in his monthly SSI check from $314 to $614 a month. 

Remember that before money can be set aside for a PASS, the plan must be approved by SSA. If a person stops abiding by the specific rules of his PASS, he will be subject to overpayment charges. 

It is clear that work almost always pays better than disability benefits.  If you are interested in finding out more about a PASS for yourself, see the sidebar on this page for  a list of agencies that provide assistance.

If you would like assistance in writing a PASS plan, contact the following organizations: 
 

CIL serves Alameda County. Call Monday through Friday for appointment with a benefits counselor. Fee is $200.00.* 
 

CRIL serves Southern Alameda County. Call Monday through Friday for appointment with a benefits counselor. No fee. 

* This fee is paid out of the PASS funds, not from client's income.