Money, benefits and finance
If you're blind or partially sighted, there are many helpful benefits and support available to make life easier.
Our advice can help guide you through the rules and regulations of the benefits, concessions and grants you could be entitled to. We also have handy tips on how to manage your finances independently when you have sight loss.
Changes for tax credits and Child Benefit customers with Post Office card accounts - 5 April deadline
The 1 December 2021 deadline for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to stop making payments of Child Benefit, Guardian’s Allowance and tax credits into Post Office card accounts has been extended.
A one-off extension to the contract with the Post Office means customers now have until 5 April 2022 to provide alternative account details to HMRC.
HMRC is urging customers who receive their payments via Post Office card accounts to act now so they still get their money on time.
Any tax credits, Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance customers who receive their benefits or payments via a Post Office card account have until 5 April 2022 to set up a new account and notify HMRC of the details so they can continue to receive their payments. Any suspended payments will be held and then paid to the customer once they notify HMRC of the new details.
If customers already have an alternative bank account, they can contact HMRC now to update their details. If they do not have an alternative, they should set up a new bank, building society or credit union account to receive their money.
Customers can use their Personal Tax Account to provide revised account details. Alternatively, Child Benefit customers can change their bank account details via GOV.UK or by contacting the Child Benefit helpline on 0300 200 3100. Tax credits customers can change their bank account details by contacting the tax credits helpline on 0345 300 3900. If customers cannot open a bank account, they should contact HMRC.
What benefits could you be claiming?
Calculate your benefits
The benefits you're entitled to depends on your own personal circumstances. We have an easy-to-use calculator that asks you some questions about your situation and then tells you exactly how much you may be missing out on.
What benefits should I be receiving?What kind of concessions and grants are available?
Concessions
If you're registered as blind or partially sighted, there's a range of discounts or even free products and services that you could make use of.
Grants
If you're on a low income and need financial help to buy items for your home, get out and about or to communicate with others, there could be a grant.
Download our leaflet on benefits and concessions
Part of our Starting Out series of leaflets, "Benefits, concessions and registration" takes a look at the main benefits and concessions you could claim if you are blind or partially sighted, plus how you can go about registering as sight impaired:
For information about Northern Ireland, please download our "Benefits, concessions and certification in Northern Ireland" leaflet:
Tax advice
Could you be entitled to a tax allowance?
We have information on Blind Person's Allowance, Married Couple's Allowance, Marriage Allowance, VAT exemption on adapted equipment, and tax-free interest on savings.
Managing your money independently
Read our information on accessible ways to manage your money if you have sight loss:
Equality, rights and employment
Know your rights as a person who is blind or partially sighted, and find out how to challenge discrimination. Or read about ways to carry on in your our current role with sight loss, or find new opportunities.
More about rights and employment