A more thorough explanation:

Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is a program that helps people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) return to work. It is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Under PASS, SSI recipients create a plan that shows how certain assets, like a car or tools, will help them achieve a work goal. If the SSA approves the plan, then those assets will not be counted as resources in determining eligibility for SSI or in calculating the amount of the SSI benefit.

For example, let's say that John receives SSI because he has a disability. John wants to start his own business repairing cars. He needs to buy some tools and a van to transport the tools and the cars he will repair. John can create a PASS plan that shows how buying the tools and the van will help him achieve his goal of starting his own business. If the SSA approves John's plan, then the value of the tools and the van will not be counted as resources when determining John's eligibility for SSI or the amount of his SSI benefit.

To apply for PASS, potential beneficiaries can contact their local SSA office, go to the SSA site, or fill out a Form SSA-545-BK.