(a) Every person applying for State blind pension shall be required to sign a statement setting forth the nature and amount of his income, the nature and value of his property, and such other facts as may be required by the department in order to determine whether he is eligible for State blind pension. Every such applicant shall make affidavit that the facts set forth in such statement are true and correct. Every person employed in the department who has power to administer oaths for any purpose shall have power to administer oaths for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this section.

(b) Whenever a blind person is unable to make application for State blind pension by reason of his illness or infirmity, application on his behalf may be made by a relative or by an official of any institution in which he is receiving medical care. Such application shall contain the statements required in subsection (a) of this section except that such applicant shall be permitted to make affidavit that the facts set forth in such statement are, to the best of his knowledge and belief, true and correct.