Understanding PASS Eligibility

To participate in the PASS program in California, you must:

• Be receiving SSDI benefits based on a disability.
• Have a specific work goal that you want to achieve.
• Demonstrate your plan will help you reach this employment objective.

What Costs PASS Can Cover

PASS funds can be used to pay for:

• Education and training expenses needed for your job goal.
• Transportation related to your work plan.
• Starting or running a business, including equipment and materials.
• Work-related services such as job coaching or rehabilitation.

How PASS Affects SSDI Benefits

Money set aside in your PASS is not counted as income or resources, so:

• Your SSDI payments continue without reduction due to PASS funds.
• You can save money to support your work goal without risk of losing benefits.

Creating a PASS Plan

A PASS plan must:

• Clearly define your employment goal and timeline.
• Itemize expected expenses and how they support reaching your goal.
• Be approved by the Social Security Administration before funds are set aside.

Common Challenges

Applicants should watch out for:

• Incomplete or vague plans that don’t clearly show how funds help work goals.
• Failing to update the SSA if your situation changes.
• Using PASS funds for unapproved expenditures.