Income set aside in a PASS effects the amount of SSI cash benefits received by reducing the amount of total countable income. Total countable income includes earned income and unearned income. In determining individuals' monthly SSI checks, SSA computes the amount of the total countable income and subtracts this amount from the FBR.

It is important to note that PASS will not always result in individuals recouping 100% of the dollar amount they are expending in a PASS. To be insured that the increase in the SSI check is equal to the amount spent in the PASS, the following two conditions must exist:

• The total countable income is equal to or less than the FBR of $603 (2006); and
• The amount set aside in the PASS does not exceed the total countable income.