Section 504. Departmental Powers and Duties.--The department shall have the power, and its duty shall be:
(1) To establish rules and regulations, consistent with law, as to the determination of eligibility for State blind pensions and as to the procedures necessary for administration of this article.
(2) To provide State blind pension to or in behalf of all blind persons who meet the eligibility conditions prescribed in section 506. Such State blind pensions shall be paid from funds appropriated to the department.
(3) To hear and determine appeals from actions of its employes affecting the rights of those applying for or receiving State blind pension.