The previous blog post introduced the Social Security Administration’s Plan to Achieve Self-Support provision. As Mobile, Alabama residents may know, the PASS provision is applicable to those recipients of Supplemental Security Income who try to work despite their disability. The previous blog post mentions the information that an applicant needs at the time of setting up PASS.
After that information is ready, an applicant needs to prepare a work plan and also identify the means and methods that are necessary for achieving those work-related goals. By completing this exercise and setting up PASS, the applicant can obtain a significant relief from the SSA when it comes to SSI benefits.
In some cases, an applicant may require help for setting up PASS. For such help, the applicant may seek assistance from a vocational rehabilitation counselor, Benefits Specialists or Protection and Advocacy organizations certified by the SSA, employment networks that are part of the SSA’s Ticket to Work program, officials at the local Social Security officer, other willing persons or a Social Security lawyer.
After completing these steps, the applicant must submit the PASS form to the SSA. The submission can be done in person or by mail. At this stage, it is important for an applicant to remember that if the PASS plan is prepared with the help of a vocational rehabilitation counselor, the SSA usually approves it. However, if the applicant’s aim is self-employment, the SSA needs detailed plans and necessary approvals.
Upon receipt, the SSA sends the application form to its employees who are dedicated to the PASS program. Those experts work with the applicant directly in order to ensure that the plan is reasonable. At this stage, the SSA may make recommendations or changes if that is in the applicant’s best interests. If required, those experts can also help the applicant to make to changes or incorporate recommendations.
After the successful completion of these steps, the SSA regularizes the PASS provision for that applicant. However, in the event of irregularities, the SSA may deny the PASS application. For such cases, the applicant may choose to appeal the decision or seek other recourse with the help of an attorney.
