Build Your Path to Work: Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and want to work toward a specific employment goal, the Plan to Achieve Self-Support program can help you save money and pay for job-related expenses without losing your SSI benefits. PASS lets you set aside income and resources that would normally reduce or eliminate your SSI payment, protecting those funds as long as you’re using them to reach a work goal that will eventually reduce your need for SSI.

Think of PASS as Social Security saying “we’ll give you financial breathing room to invest in yourself and your future employment.” Normally, SSI is extremely income and resource sensitive—earn too much or have too much in the bank, and your benefit decreases or stops. With an approved PASS, you can have significantly more income and savings than SSI usually allows, as long as those extra resources are earmarked for achieving your work goal.

PASS is one of Social Security’s most powerful work incentives, but it’s also one of the least used because many people don’t know about it or find it confusing. Understanding how PASS works and how to create an effective plan can make the difference between staying stuck on benefits and successfully transitioning to work and greater financial independence.

How PASS Actually Works

PASS operates by creating an exception to SSI’s normal income and resource rules for money dedicated to a specific work goal.

The Income Exclusion

Under normal SSI rules, when you earn income, Social Security counts most of it against your SSI eligibility. Earn enough, and your SSI payment reduces to zero. With PASS, income you set aside for your work goal isn’t counted against your SSI. This means you can earn money, put it into your PASS account, and still receive your full SSI payment.

For example, say you work part-time earning $400/month. Normally, after the first $85 excluded, about half of the remaining amount would reduce your SSI dollar-for-dollar. But if you put that $400 into a PASS to save for vocational training equipment, Social Security excludes the full $400—it doesn’t count against your SSI payment.

The Resource Exclusion

SSI normally limits resources (savings, property, etc.) to $2,000 for an individual. Exceed that, and you lose SSI entirely. With PASS, resources set aside for your work goal don’t count toward this limit. You could potentially have $10,000 or $20,000 or more saved in your PASS account and still qualify for SSI, as long as those funds are for your approved work goal.

This matters enormously for people who need to accumulate significant resources—like buying a vehicle, paying for education or training, purchasing business equipment, or covering startup costs for self-employment.

The Work Goal Requirement

The catch—and it’s important—is that PASS only works if you have a specific, achievable work goal that Social Security approves. The goal must be work that will reduce or eliminate your need for SSI. Social Security needs to believe your goal is realistic and that the expenses you’re planning to pay with PASS funds will actually help you achieve it.

At a Glance: PASS Essentials

Who Can Use PASS

To use PASS, you must meet specific requirements related to SSI eligibility and work goals.

You Must Be Receiving SSI (or Eligible for SSI with PASS)

PASS is specifically for people who receive Supplemental Security Income. If you receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) but not SSI, PASS doesn’t apply to you, though other work incentives might help.

Interestingly, you can use PASS even if you’re not currently receiving SSI, as long as approving your PASS would make you SSI-eligible. For example, if your income is slightly too high for SSI but you start setting aside that income for a work goal under PASS, the income exclusion might bring you into SSI eligibility.

You Must Have Income or Resources to Set Aside

PASS works by excluding income or resources you have. If you have no income beyond SSI and no resources, there’s nothing to exclude. Most PASS users have:

• Earnings from employment (most common)
• SSDI payments (can be set aside under PASS to qualify for SSI)
• Other unearned income (like a pension)
• Resources above the $2,000 limit that they want to preserve

You Need a Specific, Feasible Work Goal

This is the heart of PASS. Your goal must be:

• Specific: Not “I want to work” but “I want to work as a medical billing specialist” or “I want to start a dog grooming business”
• Achievable: Given your disability, skills, and local labor market, Social Security must believe you can realistically accomplish this goal
• Leading to Self-Support: The work must be substantial enough that it will significantly reduce or eliminate your need for SSI

Examples of work goals that often work for PASS:

• Completing vocational training for a specific occupation
• Earning a degree or certificate in a field with clear employment prospects
• Starting a small business in an area where you have skills or experience
• Purchasing equipment or tools needed for self-employment
• Obtaining professional licenses or certifications

Goals that don’t work:

• Vague goals like “get a better job”
• Hobbies or volunteer work that won’t produce income
• Education with no clear connection to employment
• Goals clearly beyond your functional abilities

You Must Be Able to Show How PASS Expenses Help Achieve the Goal

Every expense in your PASS must directly relate to achieving your work goal. Social Security evaluates whether the expenses are reasonable and necessary. You need to explain how spending PASS funds on each item or service helps you reach employment.

What PASS Can Pay For

PASS can cover a wide range of expenses as long as they’re necessary to achieve your work goal. Common allowable expenses include:

Education and Training

• Tuition, fees, books, and supplies for college, vocational schools, or training programs
• Online courses, workshops, or certificate programs
• Tutoring or academic support services
• Computer and software for educational use

Transportation

• Down payment and monthly payments for a vehicle
• Vehicle insurance, maintenance, and repairs
• Public transportation costs to job, school, or training
• Adaptive equipment for vehicle if needed due to disability

Equipment and Tools

• Tools, equipment, or machinery needed for your occupation
• Computer, software, or technology for your work
• Office equipment if starting a business
• Specialized equipment (e.g., if becoming a photographer, buying cameras and lighting)

Business Startup Costs

• Inventory or supplies for a business
• Licenses, permits, and fees
• Marketing and advertising
• Initial operating costs during startup phase
• Professional services (accountant, attorney, web designer)

Clothing and Supplies

• Work-appropriate clothing if required (e.g., business attire, specialized work gear)
• Uniforms or professional clothing
• Ongoing supplies needed for work

Services

• Childcare while attending school or working
• Attendant care if needed due to disability
• Interpretation services for deaf/hard of hearing individuals
• Job coaching or supported employment services (if not covered by another program)

Debt Payment

• Paying off debt that prevents employment (e.g., clearing a license suspension)
• Student loans if they’re hindering your ability to work or progress

Social Security won’t pay for:

• Expenses for family members (unless it’s childcare enabling your work)
• Costs covered by other sources (scholarships, grants, state vocational rehab)
• Personal expenses unrelated to the work goal
• Entertainment or luxury items
• Medical costs (Medicaid usually covers these)

Creating and Submitting a PASS

Developing a PASS takes planning and documentation, but the payoff can be substantial.

Step 1: Define Your Work Goal

Start with a clear, specific employment objective. Research the occupation—what qualifications do you need? What does it pay? Are there jobs available in your area? The more specific and realistic your goal, the more likely Social Security will approve it.

Step 2: Identify Expenses Needed to Reach the Goal

List every expense required to achieve your work goal and estimate costs. Get actual quotes when possible. If you need training, how much does the program cost? If you need a vehicle, what’s the purchase price and insurance cost? Be thorough and realistic.

Step 3: Determine What Income/Resources You’ll Set Aside

Figure out where the money for PASS will come from. Will you set aside earnings? SSDI payments? Savings you currently have? Decide how much you’ll allocate monthly or how much you currently have that needs protecting.

Step 4: Set a Timeline

How long will it take to reach your goal? If you’re completing a two-year degree, your PASS might run two years. If you’re saving for a vehicle and equipment over 18 months, that’s your timeline. PASS durations typically range from 18 months to 4 years, depending on the goal.

Step 5: Complete the PASS Application

Use Social Security Form SSA-545-BK to document your PASS. The form walks through:

• Your work goal and why it’s feasible
• What expenses you’ll pay for
• Where the PASS funds will come from
• Your timeline and milestones
• Supporting documentation (quotes, school enrollment info, business plans, etc.)

You can get help completing your PASS from:

• Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) projects (free counseling for beneficiaries)
• Protection and Advocacy agencies
• State vocational rehabilitation counselors
• Social Security PASS Specialists (each region has staff who specialize in PASS)

Step 6: Submit to Social Security

Submit your completed PASS to your local Social Security office or directly to the PASS specialist for your state. Include all supporting documentation. Social Security aims to review PASS applications within 45 days, though it sometimes takes longer.

Step 7: Implement Your Approved PASS

Once approved, open a separate bank account for your PASS funds (required—you must keep PASS money separate). Begin setting aside the designated income and using funds only for approved expenses. Keep meticulous records and receipts.

Step 8: Attend Regular Reviews

Social Security will review your PASS progress periodically (often every 6-12 months). You’ll need to show you’re making progress toward your goal and using funds appropriately. If circumstances change, you can request amendments to your PASS.

Making PASS Work for You

PASS is powerful, but using it effectively requires strategy and discipline.

Start with Professional Help

Don’t go it alone. Benefits planning can be complex, and PASS interacts with SSI rules in ways that aren’t always intuitive. Contact a WIPA counselor (find one through your state’s WIPA project) who can help you design an effective PASS and avoid pitfalls. This service is free.

Be Realistic About Your Goal

Choose a work goal you can actually achieve given your disability, skills, and local job market. An unrealistic goal will get denied, and achieving an approved goal is the whole point. If you haven’t worked in your target field, consider informational interviews or job shadowing to understand what it realistically involves.

Keep Excellent Records

Track every dollar going into and out of your PASS account. Save all receipts and documentation. When Social Security reviews your PASS, you need to prove you used funds appropriately. Poor recordkeeping can result in PASS termination and retroactive repayment of SSI benefits.

Use All the Money

Don’t let PASS funds sit unused. Social Security expects you to be actively working toward your goal and spending funds as planned. If you consistently underspend or make no progress, they may terminate your PASS.

Understand the Deadline

Your PASS has an end date. If you haven’t achieved your work goal by then, you need to either request an extension (if you can show good progress) or close out the PASS. Plan conservatively so you have enough time.

Combine with Other Work Incentives

PASS works alongside other Social Security work incentives like the Earned Income Exclusion, Impairment-Related Work Expenses, and Blind Work Expenses. A good WIPA counselor can help you layer these incentives to maximize your financial situation while working toward self-support.

Have a Plan B

What happens if you try your work goal and it doesn’t work out due to your disability? Will you still be eligible for SSI? Understanding your fallback position reduces the risk and stress of pursuing work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does PASS affect my Medicaid? In most states, PASS doesn’t negatively impact Medicaid. In fact, if PASS allows you to qualify for SSI when you previously didn’t, you’ll gain Medicaid eligibility. Check with a WIPA counselor about your state’s specific rules.

Can I use PASS to pay rent? Only if rent is directly connected to your work goal—for example, if you’re starting a business from home and can show a portion of rent is for business space. Regular housing costs usually don’t qualify.

What if I don’t use all the PASS money by the end date? Unused PASS funds revert to being counted as resources, which could push you over the $2,000 limit and jeopardize SSI. It’s critical to use funds as planned or return them to Social Security.

Can I have more than one PASS? Generally no. You can have one active PASS at a time. However, you might be able to include multiple related sub-goals within one comprehensive PASS.

What happens if I achieve my work goal early? That’s great! Notify Social Security. Your PASS ends, and if you’re earning enough to no longer need SSI, that’s a successful outcome. If you still need some SSI while working, other work incentives can help.

Can my PASS goal change? Yes, you can request amendments if circumstances change. Maybe your original training program closed, or you discovered a better pathway to employment. Submit a revised PASS plan explaining the changes.

What if Social Security denies my PASS? You have the right to appeal. Often denials stem from unclear goals or insufficient documentation. Working with a WIPA counselor to strengthen and resubmit your PASS frequently leads to approval.

Getting Started with PASS

If PASS sounds like it could help you work toward employment, take these steps:

First, research your desired occupation. Make sure it’s something you can realistically do with your disability and that jobs exist in your area. Talk to people in that field if possible.

Second, contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project in your state. Find your WIPA through the Choose Work website or by calling Social Security. These counselors provide free benefits planning for SSI and SSDI recipients and can help you design an effective PASS.

Third, gather information on costs. Get tuition quotes, price out equipment, research vehicle costs, or whatever expenses your goal requires. The more concrete your numbers, the better.

Fourth, draft your PASS with help from your WIPA counselor. Be specific, realistic, and thorough.

Finally, submit your PASS and respond promptly to any Social Security requests for additional information.

For more information about PASS and other work incentives, visit the Choose Work website: https://choosework.ssa.gov or contact your local Social Security office and ask to speak with a PASS specialist.

PASS exists because Social Security recognizes that people with disabilities who want to work often need time, resources, and support to make that transition. If you have a realistic work goal, PASS can provide the financial protection you need to invest in yourself and your future.