TN 9 (07-00)

A. Introduction to pass amendments

The need to amend an existing PASS can arise from information reported by the individual or other source at any time.

B. Policy --- PASS amendments

1. Changes Requiring Amendment

The types of changes that require plan amendment include the following:

• changes in the amounts of income/resources to be set aside, i.e., the amount excluded;

• a change in planned expenditures;

• a change in the scheduled attainment date for the occupational objective or the milestones leading to that work goal;

• a modification of the work goal regarding the level of independent performance from that originally anticipated (e.g. in a supported employment situation) (See SI 00870.006A.7.); or

• a modification of the goal from "VR Evaluation" to a specific job goal.

• a modification of the work goal when no significant increase in expenses or time will be required as a result of the new goal.

NOTE: Any other substantive change in the occupational objective (i.e. a different job than stated in the original plan) requires a new plan.

2. SSA Approval

SSA's PASS experts must approve any amendments to an existing plan.

3. Reconciliation and Adjustments to Excluded Amounts

An accounting is done in order to reconcile the amount of funds excluded under the PASS with the planned expenditures per SI 00870.070A.4.

When the PASS has sufficient time remaining in which to reconcile the funds excluded with the planned expenditures, any adjustments to the amount of the set aside income and resources will be made prospectively.

When the PASS has insufficient time remaining in which to reconcile the funds excluded with the planned expenditures, adjustments may be retroactive, subject to administrative finality, to the initial month of the PASS if needed. However, retroactive adjustments will only be made when the plan is being suspended or terminated. Follow the directions for reconciling a PASS in SI 00870.070.

Income may no longer be set aside under the plan if:

• all of the expenses are paid; or

• set-aside resources exceed the remaining planned expenditures and adding this excess to any other countable resources would cause the applicable resource limit to be exceeded.

4. Notice

SSA sends a notice to the individual advising whether the amendment is approved, disapproved or modified. A copy of the notice is sent to any assisting agency provided the individual has consented to the release of information about his/her PASS.

C. Procedure

PASS experts follow the procedures below: