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Developing a PASS | |
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At a Glance
The development of a PASS may begin at any time. Remember that all eligibility requirements for SSI must be met with the exception of the Income and Resources Test for a PASS to be used in establishing SSI cash payments. One of the criteria to be met is the SSA's definition of disability that says that individuals must not be working or if working, be earning under the SGA amount. |
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The development of
a PASS may begin at any time. While a PASS can be established either before
or after individuals go to work, initiating a PASS prior to employment will
alleviate meeting SGA criteria for initial eligibility.
A PASS can be established when individuals are on a waiting list in pursuit of supported employment placement in the near future. A reasonable time frame for employment to begin should be negotiated and set with individuals' SSA claims representatives. If individuals establishing the PASS are already receiving SSI, meeting initial SSI eligibility criteria is not required. If individuals are currently not receiving SSI, they must go through the regular SSI application procedure before a PASS can result in an SSI check being issued.
Remember that all eligibility requirements for SSI must be met with the exception of the Income and Resources Test for a PASS to be used in establishing SSI cash payments. One of the criteria to be met is the SSA's definition of disability that says that individuals must not be working or if working, be earning under the SGA amount. If individuals are working over the SGA amount, there are several ways to avoid a determination of SGA.
Per the December 1997 enhancements to PASS, the PASS Specialist will play an earlier and expanded role in the PASS application or review process. During FY 1998, each PASS Specialist will be accessible via a 1-800 phone line and the customer will be able to communicate directly with the cadre of PASS Specialists throughout the entire process. Specifically, "before denying a PASS on the basis that it is not a viable means of achieving the goal, SSA will contact the PASS Applicant, explain why the plan is not viable, and discuss with the applicant modifications that would make the plan viable."
