Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)

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Funding Assistive Technology through the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS Plan)

The Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is a federal savings plan and work incentive for achieving self-support which allows a person with a disability to set aside income and/or resources for a predetermined period of time toward a specific employment goal. The PASS Plan amount does not count against the person's financial limits for purposes of continuing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility. The expectation is for the individual to increase their earning potential and reduce their reliance on Social Security benefits.

Eligibility

Any person, 15 years of age or older, who is blind or disabled, and who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Di sability Income (SSDI) is eligible . Additionally, individuals who qualify for SSI but whose income is too high to receive SSI can establish a PASS plan. In these instances, they may apply for a PASS Plan if they want to return to work. Individuals may apply at any U.S. Social Security Office. The cost involved depends on the PASS plan that the individual writes, since it will be their money that is set aside as part of the plan.

Coverage

A PASS plan allows a person with a disability to set aside his or her income for work-related expenses over a specific period of time, toward a specific employment goal, while still receiving SSI income. The plan must be very clear and must detail vocational and specific employment goals. Time frames for accomplishment of steps toward those goals, and the resources needed to complete the plan must be listed. For example, a person could set aside money for education, purchasing assistive technology devices, vocational training, transportation, and business licenses. An additional benefit of PASS Plans is that they can help a person establish or maintain SSI eligibility.

Contacts

  • Any Social Security Administration Office or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • For additional information, please contact:
    • Rex Kent
      Work Incentive Specialist - EMPOWER
      2305 E. Main Street, Suite 131
      Mesa, Arizona 85213-9130
      Voice: (602) 644-9724
      Fax:   (602) 644-1957