It's paid by the HSE, not Social Protection, so it's a separate claim from the Blind Pension. Apply through your local primary care centre.
Quick facts
- Weekly rate
- €76.96
- Per child
- +€4.40
- Paid by
- HSE
- Age
- 18 or over
- Means-tested
- Yes, you and your partner
- Long-term residential care
- Not payable
Who can get it — the full rules
"This a means-tested payment from the Health Service Executive (HSE) for people aged 18 or over who are blind or visually impaired." "You may qualify for Blind Welfare Allowance if are getting the Blind Pension from the Department of Social Protection (DSP)."
Without Blind Pension, you can still qualify with proof of your vision and if you "Earn low pay or Get an income maintenance payment from the DSP, or an equivalent social security payment from another country".
The vision test
Your best vision must be 6/60 or worse in the better eye, or your field of vision 20 degrees or less. Prove it with an eye specialist's report or a letter from Vision Ireland, or with your Blind Pension details.
How to apply
Send the claim form to your local primary care centre with proof of your and your partner's income. Listing dependent children under 24 raises the rate.
"However, if you are admitted into a residential care facility you can keep your Blind Welfare Allowance for a maximum of 8 continuous weeks in any 12-month period."
Common questions
How much is the Blind Welfare Allowance?
€76.96 a week for an adult, plus €4.40 for each child dependant.
Can I get Blind Welfare Allowance with Blind Pension?
Yes. If you get Blind Pension you may qualify for the Blind Welfare Allowance too.
Who pays the Blind Welfare Allowance?
The HSE. Apply through your local primary care centre.
Can I get Blind Welfare Allowance in a nursing home?
Not in long-term residential care, though you keep it for up to 8 continuous weeks in any 12 months.