Who Qualifies for Blind Person’s Allowance
It’s an additional tax-free allowance of £3,130 (2025/26) on top of the standard Personal Allowance of £12,570. This gives you a total tax-free amount of £15,700.[1]
Who Qualifies?
You can claim if you’re registered as blind or severely sight impaired with your local authority. In Scotland, you need a certificate from an ophthalmologist (a local authority register is not required).[1]
How Much Does It Save?
| Tax Rate | Annual Tax Saving |
|---|---|
| Basic rate (20%) | £626 |
| Higher rate (40%) | £1,252 |
| Additional rate (45%) | £1,408.50 |
Transferring to a Spouse or Civil Partner
If you don’t earn enough to use the full allowance, you can transfer the unused part to your husband, wife, or civil partner. Unlike Marriage Allowance, the recipient doesn’t need to be a basic-rate taxpayer.[3]
Relationship with Personal Allowance
Blind Person’s Allowance is separate from the Personal Allowance and is not affected by the £100,000 income taper. Even if your income exceeds £125,140 and your Personal Allowance is reduced to zero, you still keep the full Blind Person’s Allowance.[2]
How to Claim
Contact HMRC by phone or through your Personal Tax Account to add Blind Person’s Allowance to your tax record. You’ll need your local authority registration details (or ophthalmologist’s certificate in Scotland).[4]
If you file a Self Assessment return online, you can also claim it there.
Both partners blind? If both you and your spouse or civil partner qualify, you each get your own Blind Person’s Allowance — a combined £6,260 in extra tax-free income.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Blind Person’s Allowance worth?
Blind Person’s Allowance is £3,130 for 2025/26. This is added on top of your £12,570 Personal Allowance, giving a total tax-free amount of £15,700.
Who qualifies for Blind Person’s Allowance?
You can claim if you are registered as blind or severely sight impaired with your local authority. In Scotland, you need a certificate from an ophthalmologist rather than local authority registration.
Can I transfer Blind Person’s Allowance to my spouse?
Yes. If you do not earn enough to use the full allowance, you can transfer the unused part to your husband, wife, or civil partner. Unlike Marriage Allowance, the recipient does not need to be a basic-rate taxpayer.
Does Blind Person’s Allowance reduce at high incomes?
No. Unlike the Personal Allowance, Blind Person’s Allowance is not affected by the £100,000 income taper. Even if your income exceeds £125,140 and your Personal Allowance is zero, you keep the full Blind Person’s Allowance.
Further Reading
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Sources
- Blind Person's Allowance — GOV.UK
- Income Tax rates and Personal Allowances — GOV.UK
- Marriage Allowance — GOV.UK
- Contact HMRC — GOV.UK