It's means-tested, but generously for work: half of what you earn between €165 and €375 is ignored too. From 28 September 2026, if you move off it into a job you keep Fuel Allowance for up to 5 years.
Quick facts
- Personal rate
- €254 a week
- Adult dependant
- +€168.60
- Work disregard
- €165 a week, then half to €375
- Savings ignored
- €20,000 (€40,000 couple)
- Free travel
- You and a companion
- Age
- 18 to 65
Who qualifies
You must "Be blind or have low vision Be aged 18 or over, and under 66 Be habitually resident in Ireland Pass a 'means test'". The test is that your sight stops you doing any job where eyesight is essential, or your usual job. You can still work.
Proof comes from Vision Ireland, if they hold your records, or an optometrist or ophthalmologist's report.
How much
"Maximum personal rate Increase for an adult dependant Increase for a child dependant €254 €168.60", plus Child Support Payments per child. "If you get Blind Pension, you automatically get a Free Travel Pass and a Companion Free Travel Pass."
You may also get the Living Alone Increase, Fuel Allowance, the Household Benefits Package and the HSE's Blind Welfare Allowance.
Working on Blind Pension
"You can earn €165 per week from work (including self-employed work) without it affecting your payment." "If you earn more than €165 per week from work, half of your earnings from €165 and €375 are not taken into account in the Blind Pension means test." A partner's earnings count in full.
"If you move from Blind Pension into employment from 28 September 2026, you can keep your Fuel Allowance for up to 5 years." "If your Blind Pension is stopped, you can be fast-tracked back onto the payment if you stop work within 12 months."
Savings and other payments
"The first €20,000 of your capital is not taken into account for the means test for Blind Pension (€40,000 if you're in a couple)." Your home doesn't count.
"If you qualify for One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) and Blind Pension, you can get both payments at the full rate." From January 2026, you're also eligible for the Back to Work Family Dividend when you take up a job.
When and how to apply
"If you are under 18 and you are blind or have low vision, you should apply for Blind Pension 3 months before your 18th birthday." Otherwise apply as soon as possible. "This is important, as the Department of Social Protection will only pay Blind Pension from the date they get your application."
Send form BP1 to the Blind Pension Section in Longford, 0818 927770. Vision Ireland has braille and audio versions. At 66, "Instead, you will be invited to apply for a State Pension (Contributory) or State Pension (Non-contributory) ."
"You must tell the Department of Social Protection if there are any changes to your circumstances while you are getting a Blind Pension within 3 months of the change."
Common questions
How much is the Blind Pension in 2026?
Up to €254 a week, plus €168.60 for an adult dependant and Child Support Payments for children.
Can I work and get Blind Pension?
Yes. You can earn €165 a week without any effect, and half of earnings between €165 and €375 are also ignored.
Does Blind Pension include free travel?
Yes. You automatically get a Free Travel Pass and a Companion Free Travel Pass.
Can I get Blind Pension and One-Parent Family Payment?
Yes, both at the full rate, until your youngest child is 16.
When should I apply for Blind Pension?
As soon as possible, because it is only paid from the date the Department gets your application. At 17, apply 3 months before your 18th birthday.