Blind Person's Allowance Calculator

Blind Person's Allowance (BPA) is an additional income tax allowance for people registered as severely sight impaired (blind). For 2026/27 it is worth £3,070. It is added on top of the standard Personal Allowance of £12,570, giving a total tax-free income of £15,640.

Unused BPA can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner. They do not need to be registered as blind themselves — the transferred amount simply reduces their taxable income, potentially saving up to £614 per year at the basic rate or £1,228 at the higher rate.

To claim in England and Wales, you need a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) classifying you as severely sight impaired. In Scotland, the equivalent is an SOAVI form. You can also qualify if an ophthalmologist certifies you as unable to do any work for which eyesight is essential, before formal registration is complete. Claim via Self Assessment or by contacting HMRC.

Blind Person's Allowance 2026/27. Additional tax-free income allowance of £3,070/year (raised from £3,070 in 2025/26). Added on top of standard Personal Allowance (£12,570). Total tax-free income for blind taxpayer: £15,640/year (£12,570 + £3,070). Saves higher-rate (40%) taxpayer £1,228/year; basic-rate (20%) saves £614/year. Eligibility: registered blind or severely sight impaired with local council. Apply via HMRC online or phone 0300 200 3300.

Eligibility — England, Wales, NI vs Scotland. England, Wales, Northern Ireland: must be REGISTERED with local council as severely sight impaired (blind). Scotland: doesn't have formal blind register — eligibility via ophthalmologist's certificate confirming you 'cannot do work for which eyesight is essential'. Once registered: lifetime allowance — don't need to re-apply each year. Inform HMRC of registration date — they may backdate up to 4 tax years.

Transferring unused allowance to spouse. If your income is below £15,640 (and you can't use full BPA): unused allowance can transfer to spouse/civil partner. Apply via HMRC form 575 'Notice of transfer of surplus Income Tax allowance'. Sample: blind person earning £10,000 uses Personal Allowance but only £0 of £3,070 BPA → transfer £3,070 to spouse. Spouse saves up to £1,228/year (40% taxpayer). Don't confuse with Marriage Allowance (£252/year, separate scheme).

How to register as blind/severely sight impaired. Steps: (1) Eye test by NHS ophthalmologist (referred via GP or optician); (2) Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) completed by consultant if eligible; (3) Local council adds you to register. Definition: visual acuity 3/60 or less Snellen scale (extreme low vision). Or: 6/60 with very restricted field of view. Partially sighted (lower threshold): not eligible for BPA (different category). Free NHS eye tests for everyone aged 60+ since 1999.

Other UK benefits for blind people. PIP (Personal Independence Payment): £77.05/week mobility component + up to £108.55/week daily living = £185.60/week. Attendance Allowance (over 65, not on PIP): £73.90 lower or £110.40 higher rate. Free TV licence (over 75 + Pension Credit). Reduced cost public transport: blind person's railcard £20/year (1/3 off). Free phone directory enquiries. Council Tax: disabled band reduction (charged at band BELOW yours). Blue Badge for parking. RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) free helpline.