Blind Person's Allowance in 2026/27: who can claim and how to transfer it
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Blind Person's Allowance is an extra tax-free amount added to the Personal Allowance. This guide explains how much it is in 2026/27, who is eligible in each part of the UK, how to claim it and how a spouse or civil partner can receive any unused part.
Who this guide is for
This guide is general information for people who live in the UK and are registered as blind or severely sight impaired, or who cannot do work that depends on eyesight, and for their spouses or civil partners. It does not cover benefits such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance, which are separate. It is not advice about any one person's situation.
The figures are for the 2026/27 tax year (6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027) and were checked on GOV.UK on 14 October 2026.
What the allowance is
Most people can earn a certain amount each year before they pay Income Tax. This is called the Personal Allowance, and it is £12,570 in 2026/27. Blind Person's Allowance is an extra amount that GOV.UK says is added to your Personal Allowance. It means you can earn more before you start paying Income Tax.
Who can get it
The rules depend on where you live. GOV.UK sets out two sets of conditions.
- England and Wales: you need to be registered with your local council as blind or severely sight impaired. GOV.UK says you will need a certificate confirming this, or a similar document from your doctor.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland: GOV.UK says you can claim if you cannot do work that eyesight is essential for.
The allowance is a reduction in the income that is taxed, so it only helps in practice if you have income that would otherwise be taxed. If you do not use all of it, there is a way to pass the unused part on, explained below.
Couples
If both you and your spouse or civil partner qualify, GOV.UK says each of you gets your own allowance.
Passing on an unused allowance
If you do not pay tax, or you do not earn enough to use all of the allowance, you may be able to transfer the unused part to your spouse or civil partner. Only a spouse or civil partner can receive it, and it does not matter whether they are blind or not.
- You need to be married, in a civil partnership, or living with your spouse or partner.
- GOV.UK says you can still transfer if you cannot live together because of illness, old age, work away from home, an armed forces posting, imprisonment, or training or education.
- You can ask for the transfer by completing HMRC form 575, or by phoning HMRC.
- Any Married Couple's Allowance can be transferred at the same time.
- If you are claiming tax back on savings interest using form R40, there is a box to tick to ask for form 575.
How to claim
GOV.UK says you claim by contacting HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The phone number given is 0300 200 3301, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except bank holidays. Calls may cost extra. If you need information in another format, such as Braille, you can ask HMRC. The pages we read do not say how far back a claim can be backdated, so it can be worth asking HMRC about this when you get in touch.
Free help
Many people find tax and benefits confusing. Free, independent help is available from Citizens Advice and, for people with sight loss, from charities that give benefits and tax guidance. HMRC can also explain how an allowance affects a tax code.
Check before you act
Rules and amounts change from year to year. It is worth confirming the figures and the conditions on the official GOV.UK pages linked below before relying on anything here.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
