People suffering from a common health condition could be eligible for a monthly payment of £737 from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Snoring, often dismissed as a minor annoyance, can sometimes escalate into a more serious condition known as sleep apnoea, which can significantly impact your quality of life.
Those diagnosed with this condition could qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Sleep apnoea, linked to severe snoring, is recognised as a disability due to its detrimental effect on daily life.
In addition to experiencing extreme fatigue due to poor sleep quality, the condition can lead to a range of other health issues. If you believe that your snoring is negatively affecting your quality of life, it’s crucial to seek a medical diagnosis.
With a confirmed diagnosis, you may be able to claim PIP, reports the Liverpool Echo.
What exactly is sleep apnoea?
The NHS defines sleep apnoea as a condition characterised by interrupted breathing during sleep. The most prevalent type is known as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Symptoms of sleep apnoea, primarily occurring during sleep, include intermittent breathing, gasping, snorting or choking noises, frequent awakenings, and loud snoring. Daytime symptoms may include excessive tiredness, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, or morning headaches.
The NHS emphasises the importance of treating sleep apnoea due to its potential to cause more severe health complications.
What benefits might I be entitled to?
If you’re grappling with sleep apnoea, you could be eligible to claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP). This benefit is designed to help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that makes certain daily tasks or mobility difficult.
It’s crucial to remember that PIP is accessible even if you’re working, have savings, or are receiving most other benefits. PIP is tax-free and the amount you get isn’t affected by your income or savings.
Eligibility and how to claim.
PIP payment is split into two parts; the first part is for those who need help with daily tasks, while the second part is for those who need assistance with mobility. Whether you qualify for one or both parts and the amount you receive depends on how much difficulty you have with daily tasks and mobility.
For those eligible for the higher weekly rate, the combined total weekly payment amounts to £184.30. This equates to approximately £737 per month.
It’s important to note that PIP doesn’t specify which conditions qualify individuals to claim the benefit. Instead, it depends on how your day-to-day quality of life is impacted, as outlined by the DWP.
You can claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if all of the following apply:
- you’re 16 or over.
- you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
- you struggle with certain daily tasks or mobility.
- you expect these difficulties to persist for at least 12 months from when they began.
You must also be under State Pension age if you’ve not received PIP before. You can check your eligibility and claim here.
