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Millions of state pensioners could be entitled to an extra £114.60 a week. Attendance allowance is a Government benefit that provides financial support to state pensioners with a disability or severe health condition that requires care assistance. There are many conditions that make older Brits eligible for the allowance, including asthma.

In the UK, it is estimated that around 7.2 million people suffer from asthma. The main symptoms of asthma are wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest, which can be mild or severe. However, for pensioners, asthma symptoms are often worse, as the lungs typically weaken with age.

According to the Chemist4U report, 79% of the population in England and Wales with asthma are between the ages of 50 and 79, and a third of people with asthma are aged between 60 and 69 years old, making it the most common age group in England and Wales for the condition.

Therefore, those who have reached state pension age may be able to apply for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Attendance Allowance benefit for some extra financial help.

The allowance is paid at two different rates - £76.70 or £114.60 - depending on the level of care that you need due to your disability or health condition.

You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim, and you could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you qualify for the beenfit.

The allowance, however, does not cover mobility needs.

You can claim for Attendance Allowance by post or on GOV.UK.

To apply online, you will need your National Insurance number, address and contact details, details of your disability or health condition, details of your GP surgery or medical centre, and details of your care home, hospital or hospice, if you are staying in one.

Those living in Scotland will need to apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment rather than the Attendance Allowance.

You'll only need to attend an assessment to check your eligibility if it's unclear how your disability or health condition affects you. If you do need an assessment, you'll get a letter saying why and where you must go. During the assessment, a medical professional will need to examine you.