Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. It affects over 5 million people in the UK. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing and shortness of breath. Asthma can range from mild to severe. For some people, asthma is a minor inconvenience. But for others, it can be potentially life-threatening.
Living with asthma can have a significant impact on daily life. Asthma symptoms can make it difficult to work, exercise and sleep. Asthma attacks require urgent medical treatment and can result in hospitalisation. Managing asthma involves taking daily preventer inhalers, avoiding triggers and always having access to reliever inhalers.
The ongoing care and treatment required means that having asthma can be expensive. So it’s understandable that many people want to know if they can claim any help with the costs. There are several benefits and programmes you may be eligible for if you have asthma.
Disability benefits
Asthma is considered a disability if it has a long-term and substantial adverse effect on normal daily activities. In this case, you may qualify for disability benefits such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – to help with extra living costs
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – for help if you cannot work
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – for children under 16 who need care or have mobility issues
For disability benefits, your asthma symptoms would have to severely impact normal life. Such as needing help dressing, washing and leaving the house. Or causing difficulties walking or performing basic tasks. Mild or moderate asthma that is well-managed with inhalers is unlikely to qualify.
Free prescriptions
If you live in England, you usually have to pay £9.35 for each NHS prescription item. However, people with long-term conditions like asthma can qualify for free prescriptions. To get a medical exemption certificate for free NHS prescriptions you’ll need to apply for an asthma card.
Your doctor will assess if your asthma is poorly controlled, requires repeated use of preventer or reliever medication and has required hospital admission in the previous 12 months. If you meet the criteria, you’ll be issued with a card that proves your entitlement to free prescriptions for your asthma medication.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs for people of working age. You may be able to claim it if you have asthma that affects your ability to work. Universal Credit can provide financial support if:
- You cannot work or can only work reduced hours due to asthma symptoms
- You have a long hospital stay for asthma treatment
- You earn a low income because your asthma limits the work you can do
When claiming Universal Credit, your asthma symptoms would be assessed to determine how much they impact your capacity to work. The amount of Universal Credit awarded will depend on your circumstances.
Help with health costs
In England, people with asthma are entitled to free NHS sight tests. You can also get vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if required for asthma medication side effects.
The NHS Low Income Scheme provides help with health costs such as dental treatment, wigs and fabric supports. To qualify, you must have a low income combined with high treatment costs. Asthma counts as a condition for this means-tested scheme.
Blue Badge parking scheme
If your asthma is very severe, you may qualify for a Blue Badge for disabled parking. This allows parking closer to venues if walking long distances would be problematic. The scheme is administered by local councils who will assess if your asthma symptoms meet the eligibility criteria.
Travel assistance
Some public transport providers offer discounts or special assistance to passengers with disabilities. You may be able to access help if your asthma means you are unable to use public transport easily. This can include priority seating on buses or pre-boarding planes.
You’ll usually need to provide medical evidence of your condition. Check directly with bus companies, train operators and airlines to find out their criteria for assisting passengers with disabilities.
Home energy support
There are schemes that provide help with heating bills for people who are disabled or on low incomes. These include Warm Home Discount and the Priority Services Register.
The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 rebate off electricity bills during winter for vulnerable groups. Severe asthma may qualify if it means you have high energy bills or are at risk in the cold.
The Priority Services Register allows you to get special services from energy suppliers if you have a disability. This can include priority power restoration, advanced notice of supply issues and alternative bills formats. Make sure to sign up if your asthma is severe.
Council tax discounts
People with asthma may be eligible for a discount on their Council Tax bill. If you live alone, you can get a 25% discount. If your property has a space for an overnight carer, you can get a 50% discount. Contact your local council to ask about Council Tax discounts relating to asthma.
Specialist disability charities
Charities such as Asthma UK and Disability Rights UK provide useful advice and support for people with asthma. As well as information, they may offer grants towards equipment and respite care costs. Get in touch to see what help they can offer you.
Workplace adjustments
Under the Equality Act, employers must make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities. If your asthma makes it difficult to do your job, discuss it with your employer. You could request changes like flexible hours, working from home or avoiding asthma triggers in the workplace.
Conclusion
There are a range of benefits and schemes that can provide financial, practical and medical help for people living with asthma. From medication discounts to energy rebates. Eligibility and availability depends on where you live and the severity of your asthma.
While mild asthma may not qualify for extra support, make sure to explore all options if your asthma has a significant impact. Get professional advice on benefits claims and challenge any rejected applications. With some assistance and planning, it is possible to manage the costs and demands of chronic asthma.