; and (ii) the sum of the adjusted gross income of the student and spouse (if appropriate) is less than or equal to $34,000; or (B) the student received benefits at some time during the previous 24-month period under a means-tested Federal benefit program; or (3) the applicant is a pathway one applicant under section 483(a)(13). (b) Earned income credit An individual is not required to qualify or file for the earned income credit in order to be eligible under this section. (c) Adjustments The Secretary shall annually adjust the income level necessary to qualify an applicant for the zero expected family contribution. The income level shall be annually increased by the estimated percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, as defined in section 478(f), for the most recent calendar year ending prior to the beginning of an award year, and rounded to the nearest $1,000. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Qualifying form The term qualifying form means, in the case of an independent student, the student, or in the case of a dependent student, the family, files— (A) a form 1040A or 1040EZ (including any prepared or electronic version of such form) required pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (B) a form 1040 (including any prepared or electronic version of such form) required pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except that such form shall be considered a qualifying form only if the student or family files such form in order to take a tax credit under section 25A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and would otherwise be eligible to file a form described in subparagraph (A)