(a) No separate application for SSP shall be required or accepted by New York State. Participation in SSP is contingent upon an individual or couple residing in New York State for whom SSA has established an eligible Federal SSI payment status code as defined in section 398-2.1 of this Part, who is in current pay status for Federal SSI benefits, or who would be in current pay status for Federal SSI benefits except for countable income, and who meets all other State eligibility criteria for receipt of prospective SSP benefits as of such time that the Federal SSA electronic data file containing such individual's or couple's relevant SSI eligibility determination is transmitted to New York State via the SDX with Federal payment status codes as defined in section 398-2.1 of this Part and remains eligible for the duration of the mandatory 90-day waiting period.

(b) The individual or each member of the couple shall cooperate with SSA in establishing initial and ongoing eligibility for SSI benefits.

(c) Eligibility for SSP benefits begins the first full month following the month in which all SSP eligibility criteria are met.