In certain circumstances, we may approve a PASS but defer a decision on certain PASS
items or services until a later date. This will occur only for those items the individual
needs after completing one or more milestones. Deferring a decision on an expense
is a way of ensuring the individual's need for that item. Additionally, deferral protects
the person from the risk of prematurely contracting for an item or service and being
unable to fulfill the terms of the agreement if the PASS stops before the item or
service has been paid.
EXAMPLE: Joe, 40, quit high school in the 10th grade and worked as a laborer when
he had a heart attack in 1992. He has been on SSI since. He wants to start a business
to deliver carryout orders from restaurants, and has already lined up a number of
restaurants.
Joe submits a PASS that includes a detailed business plan and requests the exclusion
of $350 a month in SSDI benefits to pay for obtaining a commercial driver's license,
a delivery van, and advertising. He plans to begin driver's education classes in
December 2000, to obtain his license by June 2001, and to start his delivery service
in September 2001.
Joe's VR counselor and doctor have confirmed that Joe's goal is feasible and that
his plan for achieving it is realistic. Joe also submits a letter from the local Chamber
of Commerce attesting to the likelihood of Joe's business succeeding.
The PASS specialist approves the PASS. However, since Joe cannot achieve his goal
unless he obtains a commercial driver's license, the PASS specialist defers approval
of the expenses for purchasing the van and advertising, and excludes only the amount
of Joe's SSDI benefits needed to cover the costs of obtaining the driver's license.
Joe obtains the license in May 2001. As a result, the PASS specialist allows the deferred
expenses.