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(1) Was simultaneously entitled to receive both Social Security RSDI and SSI in some month after April 1977; (2) Receives income that would qualify them for SSI after deducting all RSDI cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) received since the last month in which the person was eligible for both RSDI and SSI; and (3) Is currently ineligible for SSI and eligible for and receiving RSDI. b. Determination process. When determining Pickle eligibility, the current SSI Federal benefit rate plus any SSP payment is compared to the person’s other countable income plus the amount of the RSDI benefit at the time SSI/SSP eligibility was lost. The COLA at the time Pickle eligibility is determined is disregarded in this calculation as are any COLAs for years prior up to and including the year SSI payments ceased, as long as the date the increase occurred is after April 1977. The result of this calculation is the “Protected Benefit Amount” (PBA) and is used as the basis for determining continuing Pickle Amendment eligibility. Income of any financially responsible family members is factored into the PBA calculation. All other general eligibility criteria apply; however, a MART determination of disability is not required. c. Continuing eligibility. Persons eligible under the Pickle Amendment are subject to EAD passive renewal requirements. The COLA disregards continue to apply as long as income permits. As the SSI benefit rises from year to year, it may increase to an amount that exceeds the RSDI and the countable income amount at the time SSI eligibility ceased. At this point, the State discontinues Pickle Amendment eligibility and determines whether eligibility through an alternative pathway is available. d. Agency responsibilities. SSA informs the State annually about potential “Pickles” at cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) time. The EOHHS is responsible for applying the COLA disregards when determining EAD eligibility of anyone who may qualify for Medicaid in this group. If found ineligible on this basis, the State also evaluates whether Medicaid is available through any other pathway. e. Applicant/beneficiary responsibilities. Potential members of this coverage group must provide any additional information that may be required to determine eligibility and comply with the applicable general requirements for SSI-based eligibility set forth in § 1.10 of this Part.