elimination of disability insured-status requirement of substantial recent covered work in case of individuals who are blind

elimination of disability insured-status requirement of substantial recent covered work in case of individuals who are blind Sec. 117. (a) The first sentence of section 216(i) (3) of the Social Security Act is amended by striking out all that follows subparagraph (B) and inserting in lieu thereof the following: “except that the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph shall not apply in the case of an individual who is blind (within the meaning of ‘blindness’ as defined in paragraph (1)).” (b) Section 223(c)(1) of such Act is amended by striking out “coverage.” in subparagraph (B) (ii) and inserting in lieu thereof “coverage;”, and by striking out “For purposes” and inserting in lieu thereof the following: “except that the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph shall not apply in the case of an individual who is blind (within the meaning of ‘blindness’ as defined in section 216(i) (1)). For purposes”. 86 Stat. 1351 (c) The amendments made by this section shall be effective with respect to applications for disability insurance benefits under section 223 of the Social Security Act, and for disability determinations under section 216(1) of such Act, filed— (1) in or after the month in which this Act is enacted, or (2) before the month in which this Act is enacted if— (A) notice of the final decision of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare has not been given to the applicant before such month; or (B) the notice referred to in subparagraph (A) has been so given before such month but a civil action with respect to such final decision is commenced under section 205(g) of the Social Security Act (whether before, in, or after such month) and the decision in such civil action has not become final before such month; except that no monthly benefits under title II of the Social Security Act shall be payable or increased by reason of the amendments made by this section for months before January 1373.