What Is Blind Person's Allowance? (UK 2025/26)

Blind Person's Allowance (BPA) is an additional tax-free allowance available to people who are registered as severely sight impaired (blind) with their local authority. For 2025/26, the allowance is £3,130 and is added on top of the standard personal allowance. Unlike the personal allowance itself, the BPA is increased each year in line with inflation.

Who Qualifies

In England and Wales, you must be registered as severely sight impaired (previously called "registered blind") with your local council. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, where there is no formal register, you need a certificate from an ophthalmologist confirming that your sight is so poor you cannot perform any work for which eyesight is essential.

How It Works

The BPA is added to your personal allowance. For 2025/26, a qualifying individual has a combined tax-free amount of £15,700 (£12,570 + £3,130). If you cannot use the full allowance yourself, you can transfer the unused part to your spouse or civil partner.

Important Note on the £100k Taper

The personal allowance taper only affects the standard £12,570 personal allowance. The BPA is a separate allowance and is not reduced when income exceeds £100,000. This means even someone earning £130,000 with no personal allowance remaining would still benefit from the full £3,130 BPA.