Supported Employment as an Excludable Expense

Individuals in a supported employment situation may also use a PASS to increase potential for self-support. This will generally occur through decreasing their costs for, and their reliance upon ongoing supports needed to work. An individual's objective is to work a job at a certain level of independent performance as described in the plan. The goal may be to achieve stabilization or to reach an even higher level of performance. The individual plan should specify the anticipated level of performance in terms of supports required. The plan should be amended if it appears the person can perform at a higher level.

Only the cost of actual job coaching services may be allowable as job coach expenses. A knowledgeable service, such as vocational rehabilitation or employer, may be contacted to verify the need for coaching and chance for increased independence. The reasonable allowable charge for these services will reflect the amount the local state vocational rehabilitation pays for similar services.

While extended or follow-along services generally would not be allowable under a PASS, they may qualify if the individual is seeking to increase his/her potential for self-support.