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Occupational Goal | |
Feasible Occupational Goal:
The PASS must be especially designed for each individual and have a designated
and feasible occupational objective. Non-occupational objectives, such as basic
living skills or homemaking skills, do not meet PASS requirements. The proposed
vocational goals must be clearly stated indicating job titles or, if self-employed,
the type of business. It is important to note the individuals' age, prior work
history, education and training, disability and if there is a reasonable chance
that they can attain the objective. The PASS must also indicate current earnings,
estimated earnings pending PASS completion, and/or level of independent job
performance which the individuals expects to reach.
As part of SSA's assessment of the April 1996 enhancements to the PASS Program, they found that evaluations and notices did not make a clear distinction between the feasibility of the goal, based on a person's reasonable expectation to perform the work, and the viability of the plan for achieving it, based on the steps necessary to achieve the goal. Based on policy changes made on 12/1/97, operating instructions were modified to make a clear distinction between feasibility and viability making sure the same distinction is made in all evaluations and notices sent to PASS applicants. As outlined in Carolyn Colvin's statement of 12/1/97, "unless there is evidence to the contrary, SSA's PASS Specialists will presume an occupational goal to be feasible, and the plan for achieving it to be viable, if any certain State or private professionals in the field of vocational rehabilitation and employment develops the PASS. If the PASS specialist cannot approve a PASS, he or she will discuss the matter with the individual as well as with the plan's preparer. If the PASS Specialist continues to believe that the goal is not feasible or the plan is not viable, he or she will document the file regarding the discussion and the reason for his or her position." If the PASS Specialists feels it is warranted, they may request the PASS applicant undergo a vocational assessment. If a vocational assessment is recommended, the cost of the assessment will be included as a PASS expense.
Limits on Occupational Goals
The December 1997 changes to PASS clearly stipulated that existing POMS instructions
describing the limit on occupational goals was found to have an exception in
the case that an "entry-level" position did not produce sufficient income to
cover the individual's living expenses, uncovered medical expenses, and work-related
expenses. The operating guidelines have been revised so that "within the
business, trade, or profession the individual chooses, his or her occupational
goal must be the earliest point on the career path at which earnings can reasonably
be expected to cover his or her living expenses (as they exist during the PASS),
uncovered medical expenses, and work-related expenses."