(a) If an applicant has an impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months, the applicant shall:
(1) pursue Supplemental Security Income; and
(2) sign an interim payment reimbursement authorization that:
(i) gives the Social Security Administration authority to mail the applicant’s payments to the Department or the local department; and
(ii) authorizes the Department or local department to deduct from the payments an amount equal to the assistance granted the applicant under this subtitle.
(b) A recipient who is otherwise eligible under this subtitle may not receive assistance for more than 9 months in a 36–month period, unless the recipient:
(1) has been certified as medically disabled by a licensed health care provider on the medical form required under § 5–5B–05 of this subtitle; and
(2) has a pending application for Supplemental Security Income that has not been withdrawn or finally denied.