TN 49 (08-08)

A. Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) claims

Develop the work issues, make a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) determination, following the instructions in Meaning of SGA and Scope of Subchapter - DI 10501.001 through DI 10501.025 using the SGA Earnings Guidelines for blind individuals, and forward the case to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) for a statutory blindness determination.

If the DDS finds that the individual is not statutorily blind, but does have a disabling impairment, reevaluate the work activity under the SGA earnings guidelines for non-blind persons.

When the case is returned to the Field Office (FO) with the DDS blindness and/or disability determination, follow procedures in Work Comparability Provisions for Blind DIB Individuals Age 55 and Older - DI 11010.175 for processing and routing. See Overview - DI 26010.001 through DI 26010.070 for DDS entries on SSA 831 (Disability Determination Form and Transmittal) involving statutory blindness.

B. Reference

See Eligibility for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) or the Disability “Freeze” - DI 10105.005B. and Claimant in Freeze Status Files for DIB DI 41005.010 for information about disability freeze for statutory blind individuals. Also see DI 11010.035 - Avoiding Unnecessary Development in DIB Claims.