Overview of Social Security Disability Programs and Work Incentives - slide 17
PASS
Feasible Occupational Goal
Interval Steps/Milestones
Definable Time Frame
Sources to be Set Aside
Expenditures
Deferred Expenses
Organization
In order to get approval, each PASS must meet the following 7 requirements:
1. Feasible Occupational Goal:
The PASS must be especially designed for each individual and have a designated and feasible occupational objective. Non-occupational objectives, such as basic living skills or homemaking skills, do not meet PASS requirements. The proposed vocational goals must be clearly stated indicating job titles, job duties, or, if self-employed, the type of business. Other information required includes the individuals prior work history, education and training, disability and if there is a reasonable chance that they can attain the objective. The PASS must also indicate current earnings, estimated earnings pending PASS completion, and/or level of independent job performance, which the individuals expect to reach.
2. Interval Steps/Milestones:
The PASS must incorporate milestones and corresponding time frames leading to attainment of the occupational objective. These demonstrate the person's progress toward achieving the goal and should be described sufficiently so that completion of steps is readily discernible. This would also include the interval steps related to actually securing a job as stated in the occupational objective.
3. Definable Time frame:
Specific time frames must be established for the PASS. Schedules must be provided for meeting the vocational goals which indicate the month and year that it is expected to begin and end. The time allotted must be reasonable relating to the goal. The PASS may be developed for an initial time period of up to 18 months. An additional 18-month extension is possible as well as an additional 12-month extension if a lengthy educational or training program is involved. Based on individual needs, a PASS can be extended beyond the 36/48 month Time frame in 6 month increments.
4. Sources To Be Set Aside:
Plans must state the sources and the amount of income or resources to be set aside such as earnings, benefit supports (other than SSI), savings accounts, extra family support, stock dividends, and loans. The sources, amounts and rates of accumulation of Income and resources must be adequate, but not excessive to achieve the goal. Plans must also show how income/resources set aside will be kept clearly and easily identifiable. Separate bank accounts for PASS savings are a good way to provide for verification of PASS savings and expenditures.
5. Expenditures:
The PASS must state how the money set aside will be spent to achieve the occupational objective. A list must be included of monthly planned expenditures by grouping or category with an explanation of their connection to the occupational objective. Expenses necessary for achieving the goal must be reasonable in price to be approved. Cost estimates for goods and services which indicate how the costs were calculated should be included. Providers should be indicated when known. Goods and services under the PASS may be bought outright, rented or leased. In the case of an item of unusual value is to be purchased, the PASS must include a satisfactory justification as to why less expensive alternatives will not suffice. Some examples of items that may qualify as PASS expenditures include:
Transportation costs and
related finance, service and maintenance costs; and/or Attendant care and/or
job coaches.
If there are questions about whether items or services are appropriate for inclusion
under a PASS, please inquire! Take note that individuals who are denied a proposed
PASS are entitled to the reason(s) in writing from the local SSA office. Remember,
PASS is just the means to acquire the services and items needed for starting
work, not the means to make income or resources available for ongoing costs.
Start-up costs reflect the costs required to obtain the needed goods or services
to enable the person to start the job or business. As stated by SSA, the startup
cost may reflect just the down payment on the item. Generally, installment payments
would not be considered as part of the startup costs.
6. Deferred Expenses:
Not all expenses may be allowed at the beginning of the PASS. In some cases, approval of certain goods and services may be contingent on the successful completion of milestones on which the need of the expenses is predicated. Subsequently, no expense will be approved unless the milestone is completed.
7. Organization:
The PASS must be in writing and submitted on the form provided by the SSA. This form is SSA-545-BK. There are a great deal of resources in the community to help you with writing a PASS. We will discuss these options in the community resources section of this course.