Registration - the benefits

If you are blind or partially sighted, it is worthwhile registering your sight loss with your local authority as it can entitle you to a number of valuable concessions and make it easier for you to claim certain benefits that could make a real difference to your finances.

What concessions am I entitled to if I'm registered as blind or partially sighted?

Concessions you are entitled to if you are registered as blind

If you are registered as severely sight impaired (blind) you are entitled to:

• Blind Person's personal income tax Allowance
  This is worth £2,100 a year and can be transferred to your husband or wife. Call HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) on 0845 366 7887 to start claiming your allowance. Our tax advice service can also talk you through the tax allowances that you may be entitled to.
• free NHS sight tests (also for anyone aged 60 or over)
  Tell the optician about your registration before the sight test. You may also be able to receive help with other NHS costs.
• a reduction of 50 per cent on the TV licence fee
  This also applies to anyone who lives with you, if the licence is in your name. Call the TV Licensing Helpline on 0300 790 6071.
• car parking concessions under the Blue Badge Scheme
  The car doesn't need to be yours. Contact your local council's social services department for more information and to apply.
• free postage on items marked Articles for the Blind.

You may also be entitled to:

• Free permanent loan of radios, CD and cassette players, and TV sound receivers. Contact your local council's social services and ask about the British Wireless for the Blind Fund.
• Help with telephone installation charges and line rental
  Contact your local council's social services to ask if you qualify. If your social services department are unable to help you, the charity Telephones for the Blind may be able to help you with line rental charges or installation costs or both.

Concessions you are entitled to if you are registered as either blind or partially sighted

If you are registered as either severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted) you are entitled to:

• Disabled Person's Railcard
  This gives generally one third off the price of certain rail ticket types for the cardholder and one accompanying adult. Contact your local railway station, or telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 for details of the journeys and tickets to which the card applies.
• Local travel schemes
  Contact your local council for details of travel schemes and concessions in your area, as you may be able to travel at a reduced price or even for free. The Sightline Directory also has details of community transport schemes.
• Exemption from BT Directory Enquiry charges
  Ring 195 and ask for a PIN number. You may still use the free service if BT is not your telephone company.
• Protection under the Equality Act (Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland)
  This legislation is designed to protect people with sight problems from discrimination and help create a fairer society.

You may also be entitled to leisure concessions. Concessions are available to people with disabilities, or people receiving certain benefits, for various leisure and recreational activities. For example:

• a free ticket for a person accompanying you to participating cinemas. Find out more about the Cinema Exhibitor's Association Card.
• and reduced price entry to museums and exhibitions.

Check locally about availability of concessions and proof required with the relevant service provider.

Welfare benefits for blind and partially sighted people

Unfortunately, even if you are registered as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted), you are not automatically entitled to any particular benefits, and there is no special benefit or pension for people with a serious sight loss. However, being registered often makes it easier for you to claim certain benefits because your registration confirms your sight loss.

Find out more about the benefits that you may be able to claim if you are blind or partially sighted. These can make a real difference to your weekly income and include:

• benefits to help you with the costs of your care and to help you get out and about, such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and, for people aged over 65, Attendance Allowance
• benefits for your family or carer
• benefits for when you are unable to work, such as Employment and Support Allowance.
• and benefits for older people, such as Pension Credit.

More information

Download our leaflet to read more about the registration process and the help and concessions you can get from being registered:

• The benefits of registering as blind or partially sighted (PDF, 156Kb)
• The benefits of registering as blind or partially sighted (Word, 71Kb)

You can also call our Helpline for more advice on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

Please note that we can only give advice about benefits for people with sight loss and their carers or dependants.

If you use a language other than English, please let us know which language. We will try to arrange a telephone interpreting service.

This information gives general guidance only and is not an authoritative statement of the law.