October 4 – PASS and Transitioned Aged Youth
Question: I’m working with a 16-year old SSI beneficiary; is it possible for them to use a PASS or Plan to Achieve Self-Support?
Answer: Yes, it’s a possibility! The youth must have income to set aside and an earning goal that will result in a significant reduction in their SSI. Remember, a person under 18 is subject to parent-to-child deeming. If the parent’s income is causing the SSI to be reduced, the deemed income could be set-aside in a PASS. Once they set that income aside the youth would get an increased SSI benefit to help cover living expenses. Below is an example.
Example:
John is a 16-year-old 11th grader who receives SSI. His only source of income is the income deemed from his parents. John wants to become a computer programmer and plans to take a 2-year programming course at a community college after high school. His career counselor submits a letter indicating that he can handle a college curriculum.
You help John set up a PASS under which he can save money for his college tuition and the purchase of a computer after his graduation from high school. Under the PASS, John’s parents will set aside money in a separate bank account to save for John’s college expenses. The amount set aside will be deducted from John’s deemed income. When deeming stops, John’s parents intend to give the money directly to him and have him put it in the separate account. John expects to begin using the funds for his college expenses beginning with his first semester.
Would you like to find out more about WIPA and your benefits? Contact your statewide WIPA Program-Project 20/20 if you have questions like our Daily Tips or want to learn more about working while receiving social security disability benefits. Call our North Augusta office at 803-279-9611 or the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842. You can also complete a Contact Us or Self-referral Form.