Brian Forsythe, Benefits Specialist, Resource Partnership
Often SSI/SSDI beneficiaries come to me concerned that they cannot afford to buy the necessary items or services they need to get back to work. I let them know that a local Benefits Specialist can help them write a PASS Plan to save for the goods or services needed to reach their specific work goal.
Once the work goal is established, the next step is to make a list of all items you need to purchase and their costs. The items may include education or training, a car, computer, babysitting services, as well as those Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services that are not covered by MassHealth. Social Security usually requires three cost estimates for the proposed items.
In addition to a specific work goal and a list of items to purchase, you need to obtain a document from a certified rehabilitation counselor that shows support for your work goal based on your particular abilities.
The PASS plan allows you to set aside money for installment payments, a down payment, as well as a one-time payment purchase. In a PASS Plan bank account you can have over $2000.00 and it will not hurt your SSI standing.
The money you put in your PASS account cannot come from your SSI payment, rather they need to come from other income sources you may have, such as wages or an SSDI check. In some cases a PASS Plan can be written if you are only on SSDI. Check with your local Benefits Specialist to see if you qualify.
Once a PASS Plan is completed (Social Security Form, SSA-545), you can mail it or take it to your local Social Security office and they will forward it on to the PASS Cadre for a decision. If for some reason you are denied, you have the right to appeal that decision.
The PASS Plan is a wonderful way to save for what you need to go to work. For more information on the PASS Plan go to the Social Security web site at www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm.
Feel free to email me at brian@resourcepartnership.org with any benefits question you might have. Kind regards, Brian Forsythe, Benefits Specialist
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