SI 00870.004 Helping Set Up A PASS
A. POLICY -- DEVELOPING A PASS
SSA will help an individual develop a PASS. In most instances, a PASS
expert will be the SSA employee who will assist the individual.
B. PROCEDURE -- DEVELOPING A PASS
1. Offer Assistance for Developing a PASS
During the PASS discussion described in <xr id=SI00870003>SI 00870.003</xr>, offer to help
the individual develop a plan. If no PASS expert is available, other FO staff familiar with PASS
may conduct the discussion.
Regardless of whether a PASS discussion is held, or the person accepts
the offer to help develop a PASS, give (or mail) the individual a copy of
the publication, "Working While Disabled--A Guide to Plans for Achieving
Self-Support While Receiving Supplemental Security Income," SSA Pub. No.
05-11017.
2. Assistance to Develop a PASS Accepted
Help the person complete Form SSA-545-BK, located in SI 00870.100
Exhibit 1 when the individual:
o wants help and has identified a work goal; and
o knows how to pursue the work goal; or
o the PASS precedent file located at the FO or at the site of the PASS
expert contains sufficient information to advise the individual how to
pursue the work goal.
Refer the individual to a rehabilitation agency or organization which
assists people with disabilities per SI 00870.005, when the individual:
o wants help but cannot identify a work goal; or
o has identified a work goal but does not know how to pursue it and the
PASS precedent file provides little help.
As appropriate, obtain signed release forms such as Form SSA-8510 to
obtain information and Form SSA-3288 located in GN 03305.999 to release
information to an organization other than a State VR agency. If a
SSA-3288 is secured, make sure it provides the individual's consent for
SSA to release information for the life of the PASS and not just for a
one-time release.
Additionally, a PASS applicant or participant may authorize a third party
to act on his/her behalf in matters pertaining to the PASS by submitting
to SSA a signed statement that identifies the third party and the limits
(including the life) of the authorization. For example, the statement, "I
authorize (agency or individual) to act on my behalf in all matters
pertaining to my PASS for the life of my PASS" would permit SSA to
communicate openly with the third party about all matters pertaining to
the PASS. This statement does not have to be on a particular foGN03305.001 ff.
and GN 03340.001 ff. for more information about the issues of consent and access.
NOTE: Do not use Form SSA-1696-U4 Appointment of Representative as a
release form. This form should be used only if the individual wants a
third party to represent him/her with regard to every aspect of the
person's business with SSA not just PASS. (See GN 03910.001 ff. for more
information about representatives.)
3. Assistance to Help Develop a PASS is Declined
Suggest the following sources of information regarding job
requirements/responsibilities to someone who is interested in a PASS but
declines an offer either to help develop a plan or to use a referral:
o Someone already working in the occupation;
o The local unemployment insurance agency; and
o The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (available at libraries and
through the internet)
[Last Change: 09/00]