Question 7

Question: Does a person have to have an active Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) plan in order to be eligible for or to complete a PASS (Plan for Achieving Self-Support) plan?

Answer: In short, NO. The Social Security Administration loves to have VR "bless" a PASS plan, but it is definitely not required. And, with the advent of multiple employment providers under the Ticket to Work, more and more PASS plans won't be approved by VR, but may be "blessed" by someone else who has a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.

Question: When a person receives SSI and Medicaid, and then completes their PASS plan and loses eligibility for SSI due to wages from work, do they qualify for 1619 Medicaid?

Answer: If the person started with SSDI, and then lost it DURING THE PASS due to earnings over Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) ($830/mo in 2005), then yes, the person gets to stay an SSI person and keep Medicaid, even when they earn enough to not be due an SSI check. Of course, the person must have already used ALL their Trial Work Period (TWP) and their Extended Period of Disability (EPE), either before the PASS or before it is completed. That is the only way they can then have the SSI when they lose their SSDI. If the person loses their SSDI and keeps SSI and has just SOME earnings, the SSI check will be reduced, and the person gets regular Medicaid. If the person earns enough to not be due an SSI check, then the person gets 1619b Medicaid.

Question: If a couple is married and both receiving are SSI, can they combine a PASS and shelter some of their income?

Answer: Yes, but this needs to be looked at on a case-by-case basis to be sure there are no financial or benefit drawbacks.

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