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Blind Person's Allowance explained

Last updated: Maintained by the Digital Tax Service editorial team
Self Assessment tax return guidance for UK taxpayers, in navy and gold

What it is

Blind Person's Allowance is added straight on top of your Personal Allowance — the amount you can earn before paying Income Tax — so it simply increases how much tax-free income you have each year.

How much it's worth

GOV.UK gives the current figures as £3,130 for the 2025/26 tax year, rising to £3,250 for 2026/27. If both spouses or civil partners qualify, each gets their own separate allowance.

Who qualifies

Eligibility depends on where you live:

  • England and Wales: you must be registered with your local council as blind or severely sight impaired, and hold a certificate confirming this (or a similar document from your doctor)
  • Scotland and Northern Ireland: there is no register requirement — you qualify if you cannot do work for which eyesight is essential

If you can't use all of it

GOV.UK confirms that if you don't earn enough to use your full Blind Person's Allowance, you can transfer the unused part to your spouse or civil partner, so the household benefits even if the person who qualifies has little or no taxable income.

How Marriage Allowance transfers work

How to claim

You claim through HMRC once you meet the eligibility conditions, and it's then reflected in your tax code or your Self Assessment return, alongside your ordinary Personal Allowance.

Whether you need to file a return

Need a hand with your return?

We prepare and file Self Assessment returns for directors, sole traders and landlords, and tell you exactly what is due and when before anything is submitted. Call 0114 327 1480.

Our Self Assessment service

Frequently asked questions

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