Using a PASS

When your PASS is approved, you'll get information from Social Security about your plan, including:

• The monthly amount you have to set aside for your PASS
• Your approved expenses, and
• The date of your first PASS review with your PASS specialist.

If you have any questions, contact your PASS specialist to discuss them.

Before you begin saving or spending money, you should:

1. Open a separate checking account for the money you will be using for your PASS expenses:
   • You can't mix your PASS funds with your other money.
   • You can't use PASS funds to pay for non-PASS expenses.
   • You should pay for PASS expenses using your debit card or checks. If you have to use cash, always get a receipt for the expense!
2. Have a separate binder or file where you can keep all PASS materials, like:
   • Receipts for all your expenses
   • Bank statements for your PASS account
   • Records of communication, such as letters to and from Social Security (make copies of letters you send), emails, and telephone conversations

You can then start saving the approved amount of money in your PASS account. Remember, you cannot put any money you get from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) into your PASS account. You can use money from a job, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, a spouse or parent, and most other sources.

For the length of your PASS, you must follow the approved plan for your work timeline, saving money, and spending money. Keep track of all your milestones (the steps you must take to achieve your work goal) and know when you need to reach each one. Also be aware of how much money you must deposit into your PASS account each month and when to make the deposit.

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. This is known as a PASS review.

If anything changes, call your PASS specialist right away. This could include changes in your work goal, PASS expenses, income, or living situation. If you need to change your PASS plan, you should submit a written revision to your PASS specialist and Social Security. If they approve your changes, your PASS will be amended (changed). You will get approval of any changes in writing.