Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Establishing Eligibility for Services

From the Department of Services for the Blind

Eligibility Requirements

When an individual applies for services from the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), a vocational rehabilitation counselor reviews the information provided to decide if the applicant is eligible. Eligibility is granted when the preliminary diagnostic study demonstrates two facts about the individual:

1. There is a presence of a visual disability which alone or combined with other disabilities causes an impediment to employment.
2. Vocational rehabilitation services are required by the individual to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.

To assist the counselor in making the eligibility decision, you or a family member may provide the information to DSB, or you may authorize others to release the information to DSB, such as your doctor, your school, the Social Security Administration or others. If current information is not available or does not verify your eligibility, you and the counselor may discuss what information is needed and how to get the information. DSB can pay for medical evaluations, tests, exams or other services needed to determine if you are eligible for DSB services.

How Long Does It Take to Determine Eligibility for Services?

A DSB counselor can determine eligibility as soon as enough information has been obtained to verify whether the individual meets the eligibility requirements. The counselor generally determines eligibility within 60 days from the time an individual completes the application requirements.

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