Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing. Symptoms include breathing stopping and starting, making gasping, snorting or choking noises and loud snoring.
It can be a tricky condition to manage and there are currently 2,217 people across the UK claiming support through the DWP's Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for sleep apnea and conditions of the upper respiratory tract. There are 1,850 claimants in England, 206 in Scotland and 162 in Wales - each receiving up to £156.90 each week
PIP is paid every four weeks so this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period. To be eligible, you must have a health condition or disability where you have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months and expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months, the Daily Record reports.
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to the criteria above, you may also qualify if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition:
- Preparing, cooking or eating food
- Managing your medication
- Washing, bathing or using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Engaging and communicating with other people
- Reading and understanding written information
- Making decisions about money
- Planning a journey or following a route
- Moving around
The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:
- Whether you can do it safely
- How long it takes you
- How often your condition affects this activity
- Whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. The benefit will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive. Your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
PIP payment rates
PIP is made up of two components:
Daily living
Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate: £61.85
Enhanced rate: £92.40
Mobility
Standard rate: £24.45
Enhanced rate: £64.50
How you are assessed
If you are claiming PIP you will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
How do you make a new claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim for PIP by contacting the DWP. You will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
