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PASS as an SSDI (Title II) Work Incentive

If you are a SSDI (Title II) beneficiary whose benefit makes you ineligible for SSI -- or if you have other unearned and/or earned income that is too high to make you eligible for at least $1 of SSI cash benefit -- then you may be able to become eligible for SSI (and Medicaid) by using a Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS). In order to do so you would have to set aside or spend some of your SSDI cash benefit to pursue a feasible occupational goal, and include that amount in a viable PASS. (SSA must agree that the goal is feasible and the plan is viable.)

The amount of income and/or resources in your PASS would then be excluded from the calculations that determine whether or not you are financially eligible for SSI.

NOTE: If your "countable earnings" exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, then you would not be eligible for SSI even if a PASS would reduce your "countable income" to a level that would make you eligible for at least $1 of SSI cash benefit. See the Countable Earnings and Countable Income Overview topic for a full explanation.

You can include in a PASS money for training, education, work-related equipment, transportation, and new work expenses, if any.

You must have a specific occupational goal (such as employment in a specific type of job), a specific savings/spending plan; and you must be able to clearly account for the funds which are to be set aside. You must then follow the plan and negotiate revisions as needed.

You should realize that once you reach your occupational goal your PASS expires, and you may no longer be eligible for SSI. In some cases, however, SSDI beneficiaries are able to specify a new occupational goal that would make them even more self-supporting. In such a case, the beneficiary writes a new PASS and may continue to be eligible for SSI and Medicaid until that new PASS has been completed.

NOTE: Your PASS must end when you reach your occupational goal.

Additional Information:

The PASS Application Form is available at the Social Security Administration Forms topic.

See Also:

PASS Cadre

SSI Work Incentives

Work Incentives Overview

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