This is a way in which a person with a disability or blindness uses or sets aside income or resources to reach a work goal. For example, a person could set aside money for an educational or a training program or to start a business.  Any person who is blind or disabled and has income or resources which cause either SSI ineligibility or a reduced SSI payment may request a PASS plan.

Money that is saved under a plan will not count against your resource limit of $2,000 or $3,000 for a couple.

Income that is set aside under a plan is not counted when SSA decides how much SSI a person receives. This means that a person who sets aside income under a plan will receive a higher SSI payment than if he or she did not have a plan.  This also may mean that a person who would not otherwise be eligible for SSI can set aside income and resources under a plan to become eligible for SSI.

A plan must:

  be in writing and be approved by the SSA;
  have a specific work goal which the person can probably reach;
  say how long it will take for the person to reach the goal;
  say what income or resources will be set aside and how they will be spent;
  explain how you will keep the income or resources set aside separate from other money you have; and,
  describe any goods and services you will need to reach the goal and explain why you will need them.