Attendance Allowance
If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
You can get Attendance Allowance if you’re over the State Pension age and need help with personal care because of a health condition, physical disability or mental illness.
Some people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis and severe asthma may qualify for Attendance Allowance.
You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if your lung condition means that you need help:
- washing and bathing
- dressing and undressing
- going to the toilet
- eating and drinking.
You do not need to have a carer to get Attendance Allowance, but you must have had care or supervision needs for at least six months.
If you have a life-limiting condition you might be able to get Attendance Allowance more quickly and at a higher rate. This is sometimes called ‘special rules for end of life’.
Citizens Advice has more information about Attendance Allowance, including how to apply and how much you could get. They can also help you with your application.
If you live in Scotland
If you live in Scotland, you will need to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead of Attendance Allowance.
Winter Fuel payment
If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
A Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment to help you with your heating costs. You could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027.
The amount of money you will receive depends on the year you were born and your circumstances between 21 September 2026 and 27 September 2026. This is called the qualifying week.
You may get a Winter Fuel Payment if:
- you were born before 28 June 1960, and
- you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you’re eligible, you should be paid automatically between November and December 2026. If you’re eligible but you do not receive any money, you can make a claim.
If you live in Scotland
If you live in Scotland, you will need to apply for the Pension Age Heating Payment instead of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Help with transport costs
An older person’s bus pass lets you travel for free on buses.
We have more information about transport schemes, including advice about getting a Blue Badge and public transport discounts.
If you live in England
If you live in England you can get an older person’s bus pass when you reach 66 years old.
If you live in London, you can travel for free on buses, tubes and other transport when you reach 60 years old.
If you live in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland you can get an older person’s bus pass when you reach 60 years old.
State Pension
The State Pension is a payment you can claim when you reach State Pension age.
The State Pension age is different for everybody, depending on the year you were born. You can use the government’s website to find out your State Pension age.
Citizens Advice has more information about the State Pension, including how to claim it and how much you can get.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is extra money to help with your living costs. It’s different to your State Pension. You can claim it if you’re over the State Pension age and have a low income.
- If you live in England, Scotland and Wales, find out more about Pension Credit.
- If you live in Northern Ireland, find out more about Pension Credit.
How we develop our health information
About our health information
All our information is reviewed and updated by Asthma + Lung UK’s experienced Health Advice Team. People living with lung conditions, qualified healthcare professionals and specialists also review our content.
Our information is based on the latest, trustworthy evidence and guidelines. Below is a sample list of the sources referenced in our information about benefits for people who are State Pension age or above.
- GOV.UK. Attendance Allowance. Eligibility. Accessed: May 2026
- Citizens advice. Check if you’re entitled to Attendance Allowance. Accessed: May 2026
- GOV.UK. Winter Fuel Payment. Accessed: May 2026
- GOV.UK. Apply for an older person’s buss pass. Accessed: May 2026
- GOV.UK. The new State Pension. Accessed May 2026
If you'd like a full list of the sources we've used to produce our health information, you can email us at healthadvicequeries@asthmaandlung.org.uk.
Get support
Call or email our helpline for support with any aspect of living with a lung condition – whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or answers to health-related questions. You can also find support through our groups.
