RNIB is working with
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on a project to support blind and partially sighted people with tax and benefit issues.
We can call customers to check they are getting the benefits, concessions and tax allowances they are entitled to, and to tell them about other services from RNIB and
Action for Blind People.
We cover issues such as:
Blind Person's Allowance
If you are registered blind, or if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland and are unable to perform any work for which eyesight is essential, you can claim the Blind Person's Allowance.
The Blind Person's Allowance is added to your tax-free Personal Allowance and increases the amount of income you can have each year before you start paying tax.
The Blind Person's Allowance for the tax year 2013-14 is £2,160- there are no age or income restrictions.
For example, if you are 58, registered blind with your local authority and have:
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an annual salary of £13,000
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a Personal Allowance of £9,440
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Blind Person's Allowance of £2,160
You only need to pay tax on £1,400 (£13,000 less the sum of £9,440 and £2,160).
If you are on a low income, or you don't pay any tax, you can transfer the Blind Person's Allowance, or part of it, to your spouse or civil partner. This can be done whether or not they are blind. If both you and your spouse or civil partner qualify for Blind Person's Allowance you can claim an allowance each.
How you claim the Blind Person's Allowance
You have to claim the Blind Person's Allowance - it won't be given automatically. To make a claim call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on their priority telephone number: 0845 366 7887.
Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday, and 8.00 am to 4.00 pm on Saturdays. You will need to know your National Insurance number.
You can ask HMRC to backdate your claim for up to four years but there is a time limit for claiming back tax.
Contact our tax advice service
For more information on our tax advice service, call us on 0845 330 4897 or email RNIBHMRC-project@rnib.org.uk
Further information is also available from our downloadable factsheet.
More information from RNIB
Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 for advice about: