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several pre-approved SSP living arrangements as specified in R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-6-27 et seq. b. Determination process. The SSA determines eligibility for SSP for SSI recipients. As the State agency that shares responsibility with the SSA for administering the SSI program in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) requires non- SSI recipients to qualify for SSP on the basis of the EAD or applicable LTSS eligibility criteria. Eligibility criteria for all other SSP categories are located in 218-RICR-20-00-5, Supplemental Security Income and State Supplemental Payment Rules and Regulations. c. Continuing eligibility. Renewal of Medicaid for SSP recipients is conducted in accordance with the requirements for SSI or EAD, depending on the basis of eligibility, and the applicable requirements related to living arrangement. The amount of the payment, which depends on a characteristic, living arrangement and certain other factors, is not considered in determining countable income for continuing Medicaid eligibility purposes. Medicaid eligibility based solely on SSP ceases when a recipient no longer qualifies for the payment unless there is another basis for coverage. d. Agency responsibilities. The SSA determines initial eligibility for SSP using the SSI methodology and any additional criteria required by the State. DHS determines eligibility for non-SSI recipients through the State’s IES. The EOHHS and DHS share responsibility for certifying that a beneficiary qualifies for SSP cash assistance in Category D (assisted living) based on living arrangement. e. Applicant/beneficiary responsibilities. SSP beneficiaries must meet all specified application and general eligibility requirements and provide the evidence required to certify payment based on living arrangement. 3. Pickle Amendment Eligibility Pathway – Since enacted in 1977, § 503 of Pub. Law No. 94-566, known as the “Pickle Amendment,” protected Medicaid eligibility for certain persons who receive Social Security or Retirement, Survivor, or Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits. The Pickle Amendment requires the State to apply certain income disregards using a specific federal formula, which essentially deems the person an SSI recipient for Medicaid eligibility purposes. a. Eligibility Criteria. Pickle Amendment coverage is available for a person who meets all other SSI eligibility criteria and: