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 Sources To Be Set Aside
Plans must state the sources and the amount of income or resources to be set
aside such as earnings, benefit supports (other than SSI), savings accounts,
extra family support, stock dividends, and loans. The sources, amounts and rates
of accumulation of income and resources must be adequate, but not excessive
to achieve the goal. Plans must also show how income/resources set aside will
be kept clearly and easily identifiable. Separate bank accounts for PASS savings
are a good way to provide for verification of PASS savings and expenditures.
Expenditures
The PASS must state how the money set aside will be spent to achieve the occupational
objective. A list must be included of monthly planned expenditures by grouping
or category with an explanation of their connection to the occupational objective.
Expenses necessary for achieving the goal must be reasonable in price to be approved.
Cost estimates for goods and services which indicate how the cost were calculated
should be included. Providers should be indicated when known. Goods and services
under the PASS may be bought outright, rented or leased. In the case of an item
of unusual value is to be purchased, the PASS must include a satisfactory justification
as to why less expensive alternatives will not suffice. Some examples of items
that may qualify as PASS expenditures include:
- Educational and training costs tuition, books, additional costs for room
and board while away from home, associated fees and costs;
- Equipment, tools, supplies, operating capital inventory, taxes, costs of
fees and licenses;
- Medical and social services, attendant and child care, operational or access
modifica-tions to buildings or vehicles;
- Transportation costs and related finance, service and maintenance costs;
and/or
- Attendant care and/or job coaches.
If there are questions about whether items or services are appropriate for
inclusion under a PASS, please inquire! Take note that individuals who are denied
a proposed PASS are entitled to the reason(s) in writing from the local SSA
office.
Remember, PASS is just the means to acquire the services and items needed for
starting work, not the means to make income or resources available for ongoing
costs. Start-up costs reflect the costs required to obtain the needed goods
or services to enable the person to start the job or business.
Major Purchases
Per Carolyn Colvin's statement on 12/1/97 "allowable expenses for major purchases
will not be limited to down payments. Funds set aside for installment payments
will be excluded to the extent that the expense remains related to and supportive
of an approved occupational goal, and earning do not negate the need to continue
the exclusion."
Deferred Expenses
Not all expenses may be allowed at the beginning of the PASS. In some cases,
approval of certain goods and services may be contingent on the successful completion
of milestones on which the need of
the expenses is predicated. Subsequently, no expense will be approved unless
the milestone is completed.
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