State Pensioners who have asthma, a condition affecting around 7.2 million people in the UK, may be eligible for a tax-free weekly payment of up to £114.60 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The benefit, Attendance Allowance, is designed to help older people live independently if they have a physical or mental disability or health condition severe enough to require help with daily tasks.
Who qualifies and how much is paid?
Eligible pensioners can receive either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, depending on the level of care needed. The lower rate applies to those who need frequent help or supervision during the day or at night. The higher rate of £114.60 is for retirees who require help throughout the day and night, or who have been told by a medical professional they are nearing the end of life.
To qualify, the person must have reached State Pension age and be living with a condition that has required assistance with daily tasks for at least six months. Conditions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, but asthma is explicitly mentioned as one of many qualifying conditions. Asthma and Lung UK notes that retirees with severe asthma may qualify if it means they need help washing, bathing, dressing, undressing, using the toilet, or eating and drinking.
How to apply and additional support
Claimants must provide details of their health condition and the name of their GP surgery or medical centre. They also need to demonstrate that the condition has necessitated help with daily tasks for at least six months. Arthritis is another common condition among claimants: in August 2024, 483,376 pensioners received Attendance Allowance for arthritis.
Receiving Attendance Allowance does not affect the State Pension. Eligible pensioners may also qualify for extra support such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or a council tax reduction. For those living in Scotland, the equivalent benefit is Pension Age Disability Payment, paid at the same rates as Attendance Allowance.
