The PASS expert uses the progress check to:

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  Periodically check status of approved plans;

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  Assist the individual when appropriate to avoid or quickly remedy potential problems;

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  Improve the individual's chances for success; and

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  Document the contact for the record.

The expert conducts additional progress checks as they believe necessary by considering the circumstances of the PASS.

The PASS expert uses the progress review to monitor the progress of the individual's plan. The main emphasis should be on the milestones the individual was working on since the previous review, which milestones he or she have met, and whether he or she is on track with his or her plan. Based on the review, the expert determines whether the PASS should continue as is, be amended, or suspended. Take into account:

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  A change in income or other circumstances that might affect the plan’s feasibility or viability, or indicate the need for amendments;

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  Whether the individual has met plan milestones on schedule and, if not, why not; and

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  Whether funds excluded under the PASS have been set aside and/or spent as agreed and, if not, why not.

Create a schedule of progress reviews based on the relevant circumstances of each PASS, including:

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  Key milestones, revise the schedule as circumstances dictate (e.g., a change in income, work activity, resources, living arrangements, etc., or when a PASS is otherwise amended); and

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  Periods of six months or more during which funds are being set aside but not spent;

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  In May, or after the tax return deadline to file, for Self-Employment plans.

Although a progress review need not follow every milestone, conduct one at least annually.

If the PASS expenses are all paid in full, suspend the PASS for successful completion per SI 00870.070. Consider the appropriateness of alternate exclusions, such as an Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE).

If the expenses are not all paid and the person is unable to pay for the remaining PASS expenses, as well as their living, unpaid medical and other work expenses per SI 00870.006.A.1, extend the PASS to pay for unpaid items and services per SI 00870.055D.1 below. Continue the extension until the items are funded or the individual can afford to pay for all of the expenses without the PASS. If the person can afford to pay for all of the expenses, suspend the PASS per SI 00870.070. Consider the appropriateness of alternate exclusions, such as an IRWE.

If the PASS participant submits an amendment, process the request per SI 00870.050.

If the evaluation does not identify any feasible work goals, but the individual submits an amendment, process the request per SI 00870.050. Evaluate the feasibility of the amended work goal and the viability of the amended plan using the criteria in SI 00870.025B.3. The VR evaluation carries considerable weight, but is not the deciding factor.

If the individual declines to submit an amendment, document the record and suspend the PASS per SI 00870.070. Consider the appropriateness of alternate exclusions, such as an IRWE.

If the individual is actively pursuing the work goal and additional time or the exclusion of additional income or resources are justified, work with the individual to amend the PASS to reflect the additional time or expenses required. Extend the PASS per SI 00870.055D.1 below.

If the individual has failed to meet milestones on schedule, explain that the PASS may be suspended which may derail the individual’s work effort and lead to the loss of PASS goods being purchased (e.g., repossession of a vehicle for non-payment of a loan) and SSI monies and/or eligibility. Make every effort to work with the individual to amend the PASS, particularly if failure to follow the PASS is due to circumstances beyond the individual’s control. Schedule a progress check in approximately 60 days to see that the individual is following the amended PASS.

If, after your efforts, the PASS cannot be amended, or the individual has abandoned pursuit of the PASS, suspend the PASS per SI 00870.070. Suggest the possibility of a new PASS with a more suitable work goal. Consider whether alternate exclusions (e.g. an IRWE) are appropriate.

If the individual has met their scheduled milestones, accounted for PASS funds, or has provided reasonable explanations, find them fully compliant and extend the PASS.

The PASS expert may extend the PASS up to an additional 12 months provided the expert is making disbursements.

If the PASS expert has not made disbursements for items and services for 12 consecutive months or longer, the expert may extend the PASS up to 6 months before conducting another progress review and deciding whether to extend the PASS for another 6-month period or not.

If the individual has not met scheduled milestones, accounted for all PASS funds, or other circumstances are present and the individual has not provided reasonable explanation, suspend the PASS.

Follow the instructions in SI 00870.050B.3.

Follow the instructions in SI 00870.060.

Schedule future progress reviews when the PASS Participant should reach a milestone or the extension ends. Conduct progress checks in the future, as warranted.