State pensioners with common condition could claim up to £114.60 a week from DWP - but many are missing out

Millions of state pensioners living with severe asthma could be entitled to tax-free payments worth up to £114.60 a week through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Attendance Allowance is designed to help older people who need support because a disability or long-term health condition makes everyday tasks more difficult.

Asthma is one of the many conditions that can qualify for the benefit, although entitlement depends on how severely the condition affects a person's daily life rather than the diagnosis itself.

Government figures published in August 2025 show around 7.2 million people across the UK are living with asthma.

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The DWP assesses every Attendance Allowance claim individually, meaning not everyone with asthma will qualify for support.

However, pensioners whose condition means they regularly need help with everyday activities could receive either £76.70 or £114.60 a week.

To qualify, applicants must have reached state pension age and have a physical or mental disability, or a health condition serious enough that they need help with daily living.

Mental health conditions are also covered under the Attendance Allowance rules.

The benefit is not means-tested and receiving it does not affect a person's state pension payments.

Instead, eligibility is based solely on the level of care or supervision someone needs because of their condition.

Those awarded the lower rate of £76.70 a week are people who need frequent help or supervision during either the day or the night.

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The higher rate of £114.60 a week is available to people who require help during both the day and the night, or those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Applicants must provide details of their disability or health condition when making a claim, along with the name of their GP surgery or medical practice.

In most cases, claimants must also show they have needed help with daily living for at least six months before they can qualify for Attendance Allowance.

The DWP considers every application on a case-by-case basis and a wide range of conditions may qualify for support.

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions among Attendance Allowance recipients.

As of August 2024, 483,376 state pensioners were receiving Attendance Allowance because of arthritis.

Receiving Attendance Allowance can also increase entitlement to other forms of financial support.

Depending on individual circumstances, claimants may also qualify for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and council tax reductions.

These benefits can provide additional financial assistance alongside Attendance Allowance payments.

Receiving Attendance Allowance does not reduce or replace a person's state pension because the two payments are entirely separate.

State pensioners living in Scotland cannot claim Attendance Allowance.

Instead, eligible pensioners north of the border must apply for Pension Age Disability Payment, which is paid at the same rates as Attendance Allowance in England.

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