If you are awarded Blind Pension you will get a Free Travel Pass automatically. This also allows your spouse or partner to travel free with you. You may qualify for a Free Travel Companion Pass instead which allows you to have a companion aged 16 or over join you when travelling. See information booklet SW 40 for more details.
You may, subject to certain conditions, also qualify for the Household Benefits Package. For further information on these extra benefits, see information booklet SW 107 or contact:
Free Schemes Section
Social Welfare Services Office
College Road
Sligo
Telephone: LoCall 1890 50 00 00 Ext. 3371
Dublin (01) 7043371
You may also qualify for:
- Living Alone Increase,
- Fuel Allowance,
- assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, and
- Health Service Executive services.
Living Alone Increase
You may get a Living Alone Increase, currently €7.70 a week if you live mainly or entirely alone - see information booklet SW 36 for more details.
Fuel Allowance
You may get this allowance for 29 weeks from late September to mid-April, subject to certain conditions. These conditions include that you live alone or with certain people and that your household satisfies a means test. See information booklet SW 17 for more details.
Assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme
Under this scheme, you may get diet supplement, exceptional needs payments, heating supplements, rent and mortgage interest supplements and urgent needs payments. For more information, see information booklet SW 54or contact the Community Welfare Officer in your local office of the Health Service Executive.
You may also qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for any qualified children. See information booklet SW 75 for more details.
Health Service Executive Services
Medical Card
This card provides a range of Health Service Executive services for the card holder and their dependents. For more details contact your regional office of the Health Service Executive.
Blind Welfare Allowance
This is a means-tested payment and may be paid if you already get Blind Pension or Disability Allowance. Check with your local office of the Health Service Executive for more details.
Mobility Allowance
This is a means-tested monthly allowance paid to people who are unable to walk and would benefit from a change in surroundings.
For further information, contact your local office of the Health Service Executive.
Blind Person's Tax Credits.
You may get an extra tax credit if you are blind or have low vision. Check with your local tax office.