(1) Qualified individual status under RCW 50B.04.050 is determined as follows:

(a) An individual who has earned 10 years toward becoming a qualified individual will be eligible for the full benefit amount;

(b) An individual who, from the date of application for benefits, has earned three of the last six years toward becoming a qualified individual will qualify for the full benefit amount; or

(c) An individual born before January 1, 1968, who does not qualify under (a) or (b) of this subsection will qualify for one-tenth of the maximum program benefit amount for each earned year toward becoming a qualified individual.

(2) An individual who continues to work in employment or in covered self-employment after qualifying for subsection (1) (b) or (c) of this section, or both, may be eligible to earn additional years toward becoming a qualified individual.

(3) An individual may not exceed the maximum program benefit amount under RCW 50B.04.060.

(4) An individual who has an approved exemption cannot become a qualified individual.