State Pensioners with one common health condition could be missing out on £114 per week from the Government. The tax-free benefit aims to help pensioners live independently for longer if they are living with a debilitating health condition or disability.
Depending on the level of care needed, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will pay eligible State Pensioners either £76.70 or £114.60 a week through Attendance Allowance. To be eligible, the person must be of State Pension age or older and living with a physical or mental disability or a health condition that is so severe that it requires assistance with daily tasks.
Dozens of conditions qualify, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but one eligible condition is asthma, which affects about 7.2 million people in the UK, according to Government figures from August 2025.
Retirees with severe asthma may qualify if it means they need help washing and bathing, dressing and undressing, going to the toilet or eating and drinking, according to Asthma and Lung UK.
The lower rate of pay will be given to pensioners who either need frequent help or supervision during the day or at night.
The higher rate of £114.60 is paid to retirees who need help throughout the day and night, or to those who a medical professional said are nearing the end of life.
Claimants will need to provide proof, including details of the disability or health condition, and the name of their GP surgery or medical centre.
They will also need to demonstrate that the condition has required assistance with daily tasks for at least six months.
Eligible state pensioners may also be able to claim additional support, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or a reduction in their council tax, and it won’t impact the State Pension.
If you live in Scotland, you will need to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead of Attendance Allowance. This is paid at the same rate as in England.