What Is a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)?

A Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) is one of SSI's most powerful work incentives. It lets you set aside money for a work goal without it counting against your SSI. Here's how to use it.

In this article, we'll cover:

What a PASS is
Who can use one
What you can use PASS funds for
How to create a PASS plan

1. What a PASS Is

The basics:

Written plan approved by SSA
Lets you set aside income or resources
For a specific work goal
Money doesn't count against SSI

How it helps:

Save for education, training, or starting a business
Keep your SSI while building toward work
Use other income without losing SSI
Achieve financial independence

What makes it special:

SSDI income set aside doesn't reduce SSI
Resources in PASS don't count toward $2,000 limit
Earned income in PASS doesn't reduce SSI
Can save significant amounts

2. Who Can Use One

You qualify if:

You receive SSI (or could receive SSI with PASS)
You have a work goal
You have income or resources to set aside
Your plan is viable and specific

Common situations:

Receiving SSDI and SSI concurrently
Have savings above SSI limit but want SSI
Working part-time and want to advance
Have specific career goal requiring investment

Example scenario:

You receive $600 SSDI (counts toward SSI)
Want to become a freelance graphic designer
Need $10,000 for computer, software, training
PASS lets you save SSDI without losing SSI

Important: PASS is underused. If you have a work goal and income to set aside, this could be life-changing.

3. What You Can Use PASS Funds For

Education and training:

College tuition
Vocational training
Certification programs
Books and supplies

Starting a business:

Equipment and supplies
Inventory
Licenses and permits
Marketing costs

Work-related equipment:

Computer and software
Tools of your trade
Vehicle for work
Adaptive equipment

Support services:

Job coaching
Personal assistance
Transportation to training
Child care during school/training

What you can't use it for:

General living expenses
Entertainment
Non-work-related items
Paying off personal debt

4. How to Create a PASS Plan

Step 1: Define your work goal

Be specific (not "get a job")
Example: "Become a certified medical coder"
Must be achievable
Should lead to reduced benefit dependency

Step 2: Identify what you need

List all expenses required
Training costs
Equipment
Support services
Be thorough

Step 3: Identify income/resources to set aside

SSDI payments
Wages
Savings
Other income

Step 4: Create timeline

How long will it take?
Usually 18-48 months
Can be extended if needed
Must be reasonable

Step 5: Write the plan

Use SSA form SSA-545
Or write detailed narrative
Include all required elements
Be specific and clear

Step 6: Submit for approval

Send to local Social Security office
Or PASS Cadre (specialized reviewers)
Expect questions and requests for more info
May need to revise

Making Your PASS Successful

Keep good records:

Save all receipts
Document every expense
Track progress toward goal
Report to SSA as required

Follow the plan:

Use money only for approved expenses
Meet your milestones
Report any changes
Stay on track

Get help if needed:

PASS specialists at SSA
Benefits counselors (WIPA)
Vocational rehabilitation
Disability advocates

Review and update:

Plans can be modified
Report changes to SSA
Request extensions if needed
Don't abandon it

PASS Tips

Make it realistic:

Research costs thoroughly
Have backup plans
Consider obstacles
Be honest about timeline

Document disability connection:

Explain how disability relates to goal
Why you need training/equipment
How PASS will help overcome barriers

Think long-term:

Will this lead to self-sufficiency?
Is the career path viable?
Does it match your abilities?

How Purple Helps

Purple supports your PASS journey:

Separate tracking for PASS funds
Clear expense categorization
Receipt and documentation storage
Monitor progress toward goals
Keep SSI and PASS finances organized