UK taxpayers who are legally blind can increase their tax-free Personal Allowance from the standard £12,570 up to £16,960. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provides an additional Blind Person’s Allowance of £3,130, which is added to your annual Personal Allowance—the amount you can earn before paying Income Tax.
To qualify, you don’t have to be completely without sight, but you must be registered as legally severely sight impaired (SSI). If both you and your spouse or civil partner qualify, each of you can claim this allowance. Furthermore, if you do not pay tax or cannot fully use your Blind Person’s Allowance, you have the option to transfer all or part of it to your spouse or civil partner, regardless of their visual status.
You are eligible to claim this allowance if you meet the following criteria:
- You are registered with your local council as blind or severely sight impaired.
- You hold a certificate or an equivalent document from your doctor confirming your blindness or severe sight impairment.
- Your condition prevents you from performing work where eyesight is essential.
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Those eligible can also transfer their Blind Person’s Allowance to their spouse or civil partner, alongside the option to transfer any Married Couple’s Allowance. Additionally, if you are reclaiming tax on savings or investment interest via the R40 form, you can request form 575 by ticking the relevant box.
This allowance is available in England and Wales subject to registration and certification requirements. Advocacy groups such as Sight Advice highlight that even taxpayers on low incomes or those not liable for tax themselves can benefit by transferring their allowance to their partner.
To claim Blind Person’s Allowance, contact HM Revenue and Customs directly at 0300 200 3301. Detailed guidance is available through official channels.