If a PASS plan participant fails to find a job, do they need to repay benefits received during the plan's duration?

The correct answer is that participants in a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) are not required to repay benefits received if they do not find a job. The purpose of a PASS plan is to support individuals with disabilities in achieving self-sufficiency through work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows participants to set aside income and resources that can be used for specific expenses related to their employment goals, such as training or transportation.

If a participant does not succeed in securing employment after following the PASS plan, they are not held liable for repaying the benefits received during that time. This policy encourages individuals to pursue their goals without the fear of losing the financial assistance provided during their efforts. It emphasizes that the intent of the PASS plan is to support planning and preparation for employment, rather than to penalize unsuccessful outcomes.

The focus of this benefit is to foster independence and skill development, not to impose a financial burden based on the results of the job search. This structure helps ensure that individuals feel more secure in exploring employment opportunities without the worry of having to repay benefits they relied on while attempting to succeed.