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Effect of PASS on Benefits | |
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At a Glance
This is how it works: The SSI amount is increased (or
individuals are made eligible for SSI when they would not be under the
regular SSI rules), by excluding certain income or assets (also called
resources) which would have to be counted under the regular SSI rules.
Income and resources which normally would reduce SSI or prevent eligibility
can be ignored if they are listed in the PASS and used towards achieving
the person's occupational objectives.
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PASS is meant to assist
a person in competing in the job market. PASS makes it financially feasible
for individuals to set aside or save income and/or resources. These can be used
to achieve their vocational goals by enabling them to receive higher SSI payments
as they work toward self-sufficiency. The PASS program provides persons with
disabilities the opportunity to self-direct the vocational rehabilitation process.
The income and/or resources set aside in a PASS are not counted in determining eligibility for SSI or in calculating the amount of the SSI benefit that individuals will receive. In determining SSI eligibility, individuals must meet an income and resources test. If their income (including earnings and unearned income such as Social Security) and/or resources are too high, they will not be eligible for SSI. However, by excluding this income and/or resources in a PASS, individuals could then meet the income and resources test, thus potentially qualifying for SSI.
This is how it works: The SSI amount is increased (or individuals are made eligible for SSI when they would not be under the regular SSI rules), by excluding certain income or assets (also called resources) which would have to be counted under the regular SSI rules. Income and resources which normally would reduce SSI or prevent eligibility can be ignored if they are listed in the PASS and used towards achieving the person's occupational objectives. The extra SSI helps pay for their other living expenses (i.e. food, clothing, and shelter). In some cases, the extra SSI generated by a PASS will match the amount being spent in a PASS, so that the cost of the PASS is completely covered by the SSI increase. However, each PASS situation must be computed separately to find out. Even when the PASS does not replace the money spent dollar for dollar, there may be other factors that make a PASS advantageous, such as allowing Medicaid eligibility. The long term benefits of a successful PASS, both financial and personal, may be worth an investment now.
Learn more about earned and unearned income and resources that can be excluded under a PASS.
