Let's start here
What's your situation right now?
Pick the one that best describes where you are. We'll guide you step-by-step from there.
What is a Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)?
A PASS is a special Social Security program that lets you set aside income and resources to achieve a specific work goal — without losing your SSI benefits.
Here's the key benefit: Normally, SSI limits you to $2,000 in resources. With a PASS, you can save money above that limit for your work goal, and SSA won't count it against you.
How PASS works:
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Here's what most people don't know: PASS is incredibly flexible about what counts as a "work expense." I've approved plans for laptops, professional clothing, child care during training, even a service dog for someone starting a therapy practice. If you can connect it to your work goal with a reasonable explanation, it's likely approvable.
Who Qualifies for a PASS Plan?
The requirements are more flexible than you might think. Here's what you need:
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You must receive SSI or be eligible for SSI after setting aside income/resources. This includes people who currently get both SSI and SSDI.
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You must have a disability (but the same disability that qualifies you for SSI already meets this requirement).
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You must have income or resources to set aside — could be wages, family support, savings, or other income sources.
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You must have a realistic work goal that could reduce your dependence on SSI benefits in the future.
Good news about work capacity: You don't have to prove you can work full-time right now. SSA understands that your disability may limit you — that's exactly why the PASS program exists, to help you build capacity over time.
Common work goals that get approved:
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Start where you are, not where you think you should be. I've seen people approved for PASS plans to save for a vocational assessment because they weren't sure what work goal was realistic for them. That assessment then led to a bigger PASS plan. Don't let perfectionism stop you from getting started.
Urgent timeline
Fast-Track PASS Approval for Immediate Opportunities
⏰ Time is critical: SSA can expedite PASS reviews for urgent situations, but you need to submit a complete, well-documented plan and clearly explain why speed is essential.
1
Contact a WIPA provider TODAY — Call 1-866-968-7842 to find local Work Incentives Planning and Assistance. They can help prepare your PASS application quickly and correctly.
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Gather documentation immediately: Acceptance letter, training schedule, cost breakdown, and any deadlines. The more complete your initial submission, the faster the approval.
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Submit with expedite request: Include a cover letter explaining your deadline and requesting expedited review. Submit to your local SSA office and ask them to flag it as urgent.
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Follow up every 3-5 days: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the status. Be polite but persistent. Mention your deadline each time.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
The magic phrase is "imminent opportunity." When I was processing PASS applications, we had special procedures for situations where someone had an immediate job offer or training program starting. Use this exact language in your cover letter and phone calls. Also, have your training program or employer write a letter confirming your start date and that they'll hold the position.
What makes an expedited PASS approval more likely:
Planning ahead
Using PASS to Fund Your Education or Business Dreams
Whether you want to go back to school or start your own business, PASS can help you save money while keeping your SSI benefits intact.
Key advantage: With PASS, you can save money above the $2,000 SSI resource limit. This means you can build up funds for major expenses like tuition, equipment, or business startup costs without losing your benefits.
Popular planning goals for PASS:
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Think bigger than you might expect. I've approved PASS plans for people to buy vehicles (if needed for work), pay for child care during training, even move to a different city for better job opportunities. If it's reasonably connected to achieving your work goal, it's probably approvable. Don't sell yourself short.
Protecting your savings
How PASS Protects Your Money from SSI Resource Limits
The SSI trap: Without PASS, if you save more than $2,000, SSA reduces or eliminates your SSI benefits. Many people stay poor because they're afraid to save money.
PASS breaks this cycle by allowing you to save money above the limit — as long as you're saving toward a work goal.
Here's how the numbers work:
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Use a dedicated PASS account. Open a separate savings account just for PASS funds — never mix them with your regular money. This makes it crystal clear to SSA that you're following the rules. Many credit unions will even waive fees if you explain it's for a disability-related savings plan.
How Much Can You Save with PASS?
There's no dollar limit on PASS savings, but there are practical limits based on what income you have to set aside and what expenses you can justify.
Examples of realistic PASS savings scenarios:
Remember: The income you set aside for PASS doesn't count toward SSI's income limits either. So in these examples, the person keeps their full SSI benefit while building their work fund.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Document realistic timeline and costs. SSA wants to see that your savings goal matches real-world costs and timeframes. If you're saving for a $15,000 degree program, show the actual tuition schedule. If it's a business, research real equipment costs. The more realistic your plan, the more likely it gets approved.
How PASS Actually Works — Step by Step
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1
Plan Development (1-4 weeks)
Define your work goal, research costs, and determine how much you can set aside monthly. Get help from a WIPA provider or vocational rehabilitation counselor.
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2
Application Submission
Complete Form SSA-545-BK and submit to your local Social Security office. Include documentation of costs, timeline, and your financial situation.
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3
SSA Review (30-90 days)
A PASS specialist reviews your plan. They may request additional information or suggest modifications. This is collaborative, not adversarial.
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4
Approval and Account Setup
Once approved, open a dedicated PASS savings account. Begin setting aside your designated income each month according to your plan.
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5
Monthly Implementation
Save your planned amount each month, use funds only for approved expenses, and keep detailed records of all transactions.
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6
Progress Reviews
SSA will check your progress periodically. You'll need to show receipts and verify you're following your plan. You can modify the plan if needed.
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7
Goal Achievement
Complete your work goal and transition toward self-sufficiency. If successful, you may reduce or eliminate your need for SSI.
During the PASS period: You continue receiving your full SSI benefits while building your work fund. The money you set aside doesn't count as income or resources for SSI purposes.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Relationship matters with your PASS specialist. These are real people who want to help you succeed. If you're having trouble following your plan or need to make changes, communicate early and honestly. I've seen many plans successfully modified when life circumstances changed. Don't wait until you're behind to ask for help.
Application guide
Preparing Your PASS Application (Form SSA-545-BK)
Get help: Contact a WIPA provider at 1-866-968-7842 before you start. They provide free assistance with PASS applications and know what SSA specialists look for.
Key sections you'll need to complete:
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Work Goal (Section A): Be specific. Instead of "get a job," write "become a licensed massage therapist" or "start an online bookkeeping business." Include expected earnings potential.
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Timeline (Section B): Realistic timeframe for achieving your goal. Factor in training time, licensing requirements, or business startup phases.
3
Expenses (Section C): Detailed list of all costs — tuition, books, tools, transportation, child care. Research actual prices and include documentation.
4
Income to Set Aside (Section D): List all income sources you'll use for PASS — wages, family support, etc. Be conservative in estimates.
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Resources (Section E): Current assets and how much you plan to save. Explain how you'll track PASS funds separately.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Include supportive documentation. School catalogs with tuition rates, quotes from equipment suppliers, licensing fee schedules — anything that shows your costs are real and researched. I could approve applications much faster when people included this backup documentation with their initial submission.
Common expenses you can include:
Sample plan
Sample PASS Plan: Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant
Here's an example of what a well-prepared PASS application looks like:
**WORK GOAL:** Become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and obtain employment in a healthcare setting earning at least $2,500/month.
**TIMELINE:** 18 months total
- Months 1-12: Complete Medical Assistant certificate program at City Community College
- Months 13-15: Study for and pass CMA certification exam
- Months 16-18: Job search and begin employment
**ESTIMATED EXPENSES:**
Tuition (