The Blind Person’s Allowance is a special tax-free allowance for blind people (or those who are visually impaired) to claim on top of their personal allowance.

For the tax year 2019/20, the Blind Person’s Allowance was £2,450 regardless of your age or income. In the tax year 2020/21, it is £2,500.

Who is eligible for the Blind Person’s Allowance?

In England and Wales, you can claim it if you’re registered with your local council as blind or severely sight impaired (SSI). Make sure that you have a medical certificate confirming this.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you only need the medical certificate to claim. 

Unused allowance

If your spouse or civil partner claims the allowance but doesn’t use it all (i.e. if their total taxable income is less than their total tax-free allowances), they can transfer the unused allowance to you. 

How do I claim?

To claim the allowance, you should call HMRC on 0300 200 3301. Don’t forget that it’s not sent to you automatically.