Many Britons may not be aware that they could legally increase their tax-free income to £15,700 for the 2025/26 tax year, thanks to a lesser-known benefit: the Blind Person’s Allowance. This additional allowance is designed to support individuals who are blind or severely sight-impaired, offering an extra £3,130 on top of the standard personal allowance of £12,570.
What Is the Blind Person’s Allowance?
The Blind Person’s Allowance is an additional income tax allowance granted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to those who are registered as blind or severely sight-impaired. If you qualify, your personal tax-free income threshold increases from the standard £12,570 to £15,700, saving you up to £626 annually in income tax.
This benefit is not automatically applied, so eligible individuals must actively claim it through HMRC. The allowance can also be transferred to a spouse or civil partner if the claimant does not earn enough to benefit from the full amount.
According to GOV.UK, this allowance aims to ensure people with significant sight loss face less financial strain.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Blind Person’s Allowance in the UK, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be registered as blind or severely sight-impaired with your local authority (usually your local council).
- Provide valid certification, such as a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI), to prove your eligibility.
- Live in the UK and pay income tax.
The NHS website explains that registration usually involves an assessment by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist), who confirms whether your sight loss qualifies as severe enough to be officially certified.
How to Claim the Blind Person’s Allowance
The process for claiming varies slightly depending on your location:
- England and Wales: Call HMRC directly at 0300 200 3301.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland: The process is similar, but it’s best to confirm specific requirements through HMRC’s regional contacts.
You can also write to HMRC or claim the allowance through your Self Assessment tax return, if you complete one.
Can You Transfer the Allowance?
Yes. If you don’t earn enough to use the full £3,130 Blind Person’s Allowance, the unused portion can be transferred to your spouse or civil partner, provided they’re a UK taxpayer. This transfer can increase their personal allowance and help you save as a household.
This rule makes the benefit especially useful for retired couples or those where one partner is the primary earner. If both spouses qualify individually, each can claim their own allowance, resulting in even higher savings.
Other Financial Benefits for People with Vision Loss
In addition to the Blind Person’s Allowance, individuals with visual impairments may be eligible for other support:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – https://www.gov.uk/pip
- Disabled Persons Railcard – https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
- Council Tax Discounts
- Concessionary Travel Passes
These support schemes are designed to ease daily life and reduce financial burdens.
Why Awareness Matters
A significant number of eligible Britons miss out on the Blind Person’s Allowance each year simply due to a lack of awareness. According to disability advocacy organisations, ensuring that eligible individuals claim all tax reliefs available to them is a crucial step in reducing financial inequality.
Charities such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) have frequently campaigned to increase public awareness and encourage uptake. You can learn more from their official site: https://www.rnib.org.uk/
Final Thoughts
The Blind Person’s Allowance offers a valuable boost to your income by raising the tax-free threshold. With the cost of living continuing to challenge households across the UK, ensuring you’re claiming all available tax relief is more important than ever.
If you or someone you know is registered as blind or severely sight-impaired, taking a few minutes to check eligibility and contact HMRC could mean over £600 in annual savings. Don’t leave money on the table—claim what you’re entitled to.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
