Millions of people could earn more before paying income tax this year if they qualify for an extra tax-free allowance worth £3,250. The Government increased the Blind Person's Allowance by £120 in April, having been set at £3,130 for the previous tax year.
This amount gets added to the standard personal allowance, which is £12,570 across the UK, to help offset the extra daily living, travel, and working costs associated with severe sight loss. This means eligible people can now receive up to £15,820 in tax-free income before they start paying income tax, in line with the £3,250 boost.
Who can claim the allowance?
Plus, if both you and your spouse or civil partner qualify, you can each receive the allowance. If you do not pay enough tax to use it yourself, you may be able to transfer some or all of your unused allowance to your spouse or civil partner.
The rules for claiming Blind Person's Allowance vary depending on where you live. In England and Wales, you must be registered with your local council as blind or severely sight-impaired. You will also need a certificate confirming your sight loss, or a similar document from your doctor.
Rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can claim if your eyesight prevents you from doing work that you need to carry out.
According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People, more than two million people are living with sight loss severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives in the UK. This means millions of people could be eligible.
How to claim and other allowances
To claim Blind Person's Allowance, contact HMRC by phone on 0300 200 3301.
The Government has also increased another tax allowance aimed at older married couples. Married Couple's Allowance rose from £11,270 to £11,700 at the start of the 2026 to 2027 tax year.
You can claim Married Couple's Allowance if you are married or in a civil partnership, live with your spouse or civil partner, and one of you was born before April 6, 1935.
For marriages before December 5, 2005, HMRC uses the husband's income to calculate the allowance. For marriages and civil partnerships entered into after that date, it uses the highest earner's income.
