Blind Pension Ireland 2026 — €242/week for People with Severe Sight Loss
Blind Pension in Ireland
The Blind Pension pays €242 per week to people with severe visual impairment who are habitually resident in Ireland. It is means-tested and available from age 18. Here is who qualifies, how the means test works, and what additional payments you may be entitled to.
Blind Pension — At a glance
- Weekly rate
- €242/week
- Means-tested
- Yes
- From age
- 18
- Visual acuity threshold
- 6/60 or less (better eye)
- Taxable
- No
- Application form
- BP1
Key facts — Blind Pension 2026
Who qualifies for the Blind Pension?
To qualify for the Blind Pension you must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have visual acuity of 6/60 or less in the better eye after correction (spectacles or contact lenses), OR have a field of vision of 20 degrees or less
- Be habitually resident in Ireland
- Satisfy the means test
The visual acuity requirement is assessed by an ophthalmic surgeon or ophthalmologist, who must complete a medical report as part of the application process.
The means test
The Blind Pension means test assesses your income, savings and assets. The rules are similar to those for Disability Allowance:
- Your home is not counted as an asset
- The first €50,000 in savings is generally disregarded
- Employment earnings of up to €165/week are fully disregarded; between €165 and €375/week, 50% is disregarded
- Income from self-employment is assessed at its capital value
- A spouse or partner's income may also be taken into account
Additional payments you may qualify for
Blind Pension recipients may also be eligible for:
- Living Alone Increase — €22/week if you live alone
- Fuel Allowance — €38/week for 28 weeks in winter
- Household Benefits Package — free electricity allowance and TV licence
- Free Travel Pass — free bus, Luas, DART and rail travel
- Blind Person's Tax Credit — €1,650/year — reduces your income tax if you work
- Increase for a Qualified Adult — if your partner is financially dependent on you
How to apply
- Download form BP1
Available at gov.ie or from your local DSP office. The form includes a medical report section to be completed by an ophthalmic surgeon or ophthalmologist.
- Get the medical report completed
Your ophthalmic specialist must confirm your visual acuity measurement and complete the medical section of form BP1.
- Submit with supporting documents
Send the completed BP1 form, proof of identity, PPS number and financial details to your local DSP office or Intreo Centre.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Blind Pension?
A means-tested weekly payment of €242 for people aged 18+ with severe visual impairment (acuity of 6/60 or less in the better eye). It is not taxable and is available regardless of whether you have paid PRSI.
How much is the Blind Pension in 2026?
€242 per week — the same rate as Disability Allowance. This is a €10 increase from 2025.
What visual acuity is needed to qualify?
6/60 or less in the better eye after correction (glasses/contact lenses), or a field of vision of 20 degrees or less. Assessed by an ophthalmic surgeon.
Is the Blind Pension means-tested?
Yes. Income, savings (above €50,000) and assets other than your home are assessed. Employment earnings up to €165/week are disregarded; 50% of earnings between €165 and €375/week is also disregarded.
Can I work while receiving the Blind Pension?
Yes. The employment earnings disregard allows you to earn up to €165/week without it affecting your payment. Earnings between €165 and €375/week reduce the pension at 50%, allowing part-time work while retaining some benefit.
How do I apply?
Complete form BP1 (from gov.ie) with the medical section filled by your ophthalmologist. Submit to your local Intreo Centre or DSP office.
- The Blind Pension is means-tested — unlike many PRSI-based disability payments. Your income and savings are assessed, though your home and the first €50,000 in savings are excluded.
- The visual acuity threshold is very specific: 6/60 or less in the better eye. Many people with poor vision may not meet this threshold and may be better served by Disability Allowance.
- You can work while receiving the Blind Pension. The earnings disregard (€165/week fully disregarded, 50% of earnings between €165–€375) means many part-time earners still qualify.
- The Blind Person's Tax Credit (€1,650/year) is a separate entitlement for working people with blindness or severe vision impairment — apply to Revenue, not DSP.
- The Blind Pension and Disability Allowance are mutually exclusive — you cannot receive both. The Blind Pension is generally the better option if you qualify, as it provides access to the same additional payments.
- The Blind Pension is not taxable. If you also work, only your employment income is subject to tax — the pension itself is exempt.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Blind Pension rates and eligibility rules.