(a) The local department shall determine an eligibility period for a recipient based on the estimated duration of the impairment indicated in the medical form required under § 5-5B-05 of this subtitle.

(b) The eligibility period determined by the local department:

(1) may be less than the estimated recovery time indicated on the medical form; and

(2) may not exceed the estimated recovery time indicated on the medical form.

(c) If a local department determines that a recipient’s eligibility period is at least 3 months, but less than 12 months, the recipient shall be eligible for assistance for not more than 9 months in a 36-month period.

(d) (1) If the local department determines that a recipient is unlikely to recover in less than 12 months, the recipient shall be eligible for assistance for not more than 12 months if the recipient:

(i) pursues Supplemental Security Income; and

(ii) otherwise remains eligible for assistance under this subtitle.

(2) The local department may establish additional eligibility periods, each not exceeding 12 months, if the recipient:

(i) reapplies for assistance under this subtitle;

(ii) maintains eligibility; and

(iii) continues to pursue a Supplemental Security Income claim.

(3) The local department shall adjust the eligibility period for a recipient to be not more than 9 months in a 36-month period if the recipient:

(i) withdraws the recipient’s application for Supplemental Security Income; or

(ii) is denied the Supplemental Security Income claim.

(e) Unless a recipient reapplies for assistance and the local department establishes an additional eligibility period, a recipient’s eligibility for assistance under this subtitle will automatically end at the end of the eligibility period established by the local department.

(f) If a recipient is eligible for any portion of a month, the recipient shall be eligible for the entire month.