PASS Plans

[LaMemChose]

Anyone doing or has anyone done a PASS Plan? Successful? What have been the pros and cons? If you could have changed how yours was written and established, what would you have done differently?

TIA for any pertinent info.:)

[sjean423]

Mem,

I know Darkeyed Daisy did. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=62997&highlight=pass+plan

[LaMemChose]

Thanks, Sjean. :)

[sjean423]

You're welcome. She's not around as much lately, but hopefully she will see this and give you more info.

[darkeyed_daisy]

Hi Mem

Youve been entertaining me quite well in the troll threads...LOL

I did my Pass plan back in 1998. Voc Rehab would only pay for one degree that I completed in 1993 so the Pass was my only option to go back to school and get my second degree.

I cant think of any cons, it is well worth your effort to attempt it. My goal was to get my second degree in Health Information Management and become gainfully employed. I applied for pell grants and got those as well as my Pass monies. You estimate how much it will take to reach your goal and estimate how much it will cost you monthly to obtain your goal. SSI will give you this money on top of what ever you regularly recieve. You have to keep very detailed records. They made me reconcile quarterly as my school was quarterly. The goals must be attainable. My PASS rep encouraged me to start my own business but that really wasnt for me.

If I had to do all over again...I would have added more luxuries into my PASS such as a computer. I got to add my tires/gas for my car because I drove 20 miles to college.

When you complete your Pass they hound you to write your life story so they can display it on their website. I didnt do that part.

I tripled my starting salary with my move to Colorado. When my nine month trial work period is up in April. I will get to turn in my "ticket to work" to an En and collect monthly payments for my ticket to work.

http://www.aaatakecharge.com/about.html

B: SSDI beneficiaries who go off benefits because of their work earningsIf your work earnings exceed SGA ($900 for general disabilities and $1,500 for blind) then SSA will terminate your monthly checks once your trial work period is complete. SSDI recipients who actually get off benefits, and remain off due to their work earnings, can collect $15,714 in Work Support Payments over a three year period.

I would encourage you to do a PASS. It really worked for me. If you need help or have questions dont hesitate to ask.

[darkeyed_daisy]

Mem

I meant to add that the reps from the PASS cadre can help you with other things too. They are much more knowledgeable than your average SSDI rep at the social security office. There were several times that she pulled strings for me to get things done quicker. I cant remember the specific things she did but any problem I had she usually had an answer. She also handled an overpayment that SSDI claimed I got that I wasnt entitled to from a couple of years before. I didnt have to pay it back...

IMO she was more helpful to me than my VR reps ever were. She really wanted me to succeed.

[LaMemChose]

Thanks much, T. I don't receive SSI, but I do receive SSDI and LTD through my former employer. My initial perusal of PASS indicates it may be a way to help me reach some of my goals.

Glad to hear Colorado and your job are agreeing with you so well, T.:)

[ChesBay]

Thanks much, T. I don't receive SSI, but I do receive SSDI and LTD through my former employer. My initial perusal of PASS indicates it may be a way to help me reach some of my goals.

Glad to hear Colorado and your job are agreeing with you so well, T.:)

I don't mean to discourage any thoughts of retraining and going back to work but if you haven't already I would suggest reading provisions of LTD policy. Their standards and eligibility for disability classification can be quite different than Social Security.

[LaMemChose]

I don't mean to discourage any thoughts of retraining and going back to work but if you haven't already I would suggest reading provisions of LTD policy. Their standards and eligibility for disability classification can be quite different than Social Security.

Thanks. Will do.