Frequent Pitfalls

The PASS application is long and asks for a lot of information, but a Social Security PASS specialist can help you with every step of the PASS application process. To contact a PASS specialist, call the Atlanta Region PASS Cadre at 1-800-254-9489, 1-205-801-4444, or 1-205-801-3583.

You may also need help thinking of a specific work goal, which you need for your PASS. If you do not yet have a clear goal or way to achieve it, try working on one with an organization that helps people find and prepare for jobs, such as:

• The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA)
• Blind and Low Vision Field Services
• Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing Services
  
• A WorkSource Georgia Center, or
• An Employment Network (EN) through the Ticket to Work program.

You can also start by reading DB101's article Finding the Right Job for You and DB101's article about other programs that support work.

The money you are using for your PASS must be set aside in a separate checking account. You cannot mix your PASS funds with your other money. You should know how much money you are supposed to deposit into your PASS account each month and when to make the deposit.

You also have to keep track of all your work-related expenses. Make sure you are paying for them with your PASS funds, and make sure you keep all receipts. Do not use your PASS funds for any non-PASS expenses. Your PASS specialist will review your case at least once every six months to see how your plan is going and to collect receipts for your expenses.

If you don’t use your PASS funds as approved, or if you don’t keep your PASS funds separate from your personal expense funds, you could:

• Get an overpayment from Social Security
• Have your PASS put on hold or stopped, or
• Become disqualified from any future PASS.

You are responsible for keeping records that show that you are completing your approved PASS. You should have a binder or file of all your paperwork. Make sure that you:

• Keep track of the steps in your PASS plan and do them on right timeline
• Keep all receipts of your expenses and bank statements for your PASS account, and
• Keep a record of all communication with your PASS specialist, including letters and emails your PASS specialist sends you, copies of everything you send to your PASS specialist, and telephone conversations with your PASS specialist.

If you want to make any changes to your PASS plan, talk to your PASS specialist first.

Never use PASS funds to pay for something that is not on your list of approved PASS expenses. If you want to change or add to your list of approved expenses, call your PASS specialist and ask for approval first.

Ask for all changes to your PASS in writing. If the changes are approved, your PASS specialist will change your plan and send you confirmation in writing. You may have to complete certain steps before the change is allowed.