1. Introducing PASS
2. How a PASS Works
3. PASS Candidates
4. Starting a Business
5. A Viable Plan
6. Responsibilities
To qualify for a PASS, an individual must meet the following criteria:
Eligible for SSI based on disability or blindness prior to the age of 65. A person on SSI based on age can be eligible if they received SSI based on disability or blindness the month before turning 65.
Have earnings, unearned income, or resources to set aside in the PASS. Examples of unearned income include Title 2, Unemployment benefits, Veterans benefits, private pension, monetary support or gifts from family or friends. Resources include inheritance, cash settlement or monetary gifts.
Because PASS is an SSI work incentive, it is important to remember that all eligibility requirements for SSI must be met except for the income and resource test for a PASS to be used. Thus, Title 2 recipients, not already on SSI, submitting a PASS application must also submit an SSI application. You can work with the PASS specialist in your local area to apply for SSI once they’ve determined that your PASS will be approved.
SSA offices may adopt the Title 2 disability decision for SSI purposes in certain circumstances. See the SSA policy POMS DI 27515.001.