The Basics

Social Security’s Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program is for people with disabilities who want to save money for a work-related goal that will help them become self-sufficient. You must apply for, or already be getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to qualify for the PASS program.

If you're on SSI, your monthly SSI benefit goes down whenever you get income from other sources (like a job or Social Security Disability Insurance). This can make it difficult to save for things like job training or school. If you are in this situation, PASS could be a good option for you. The program can help you save money to:

• Start a new job, increase your income in your current job, or start a business of your own.
• Pay for health care or work-related expenses (transportation, for example).
• Buy a computer or other equipment that will help you succeed in your career.

By setting up a PASS, you can keep your full SSI benefit to pay for basic living expenses like food and rent while you set aside money from other sources to achieve your work-related goals.