Free Matter For The Blind Mailing

On march 2 1899 an act regulating the postage on letters written by the blind was passed by congress.

Free matter for the blind mailing. It is called the free matter for the blind privilege and it is very useful protecting us from paying more than the rest of the public. Postal service includes among its thousands of regulations provisions for mailing the specialized materials used by blind people. Free matter must be marked free matter for the blind for international mail in the upper right corner of the address side of the mailpiece. Most blind people know generally that the u s.

Are special arrangements possible for delivery or. In addition to the free matter for the blind marking international items must also bear a copy of the label below on the address side of the package. 271 1 general matter may be entered free of postage provided that at least one of the following criteria is met. For mailing free of postage.

The item is sent to or by a person who is registered as blind or who meets the world health organization s definition of a blind person or a person with low vision. The item is sent to or by an organization for the blind. Persons who are not considered to be blind or unable to read or use conventionally printed material who want to use the free matter privilege for mailing must provide evidence of eligibility or verify by other means that the intended recipient of the mail matter is eligible to receive free matter. Braille paper brailon braille labeling and swell touch are the only american thermoform products that can be shipped free matter for the blind for those entitled using the u s.

The law for mailing free matter 135 1 general. You must place the words free matter for the blind or handicapped in the upper right corner of the address side of the envelope or parcel where the postage would normally be placed. Matter mailed by or for the use of blind or other handicapped persons may be mailed free of postage provided the sender the recipient and the matter being mailed comply with the applicable conditions of this section. Sent to or by an organization for the blind or sent to or by a blind person person registered as blind or partially sighted or who meets the world health organization s definition of a blind person or a person with low vision.

For international mail free matter for the blind matter may be entered free of postage provided the item is. It allowed blind persons to mail unsealed letters in raised characters at third class rates rather than first class rates that all may read 1983 p. Back to the top. This piece of legislation was the first such postal law benefiting blind persons in the united states.

The shipping times using this method vary depending on your geographical location.