Brits who snore ‘can get up to £156 a week in DWP benefits’ due to medical condition
BRITS who snore could get up to £156 a week in DWP benefits, with thousands already claiming thanks to a medical condition.
Although snoring is more commonly associated with being a harmless act that annoys others trying to get some shut-eye - it could point to sleep apnea.
According to experts, some people with sleep apnea could be eligible to receive the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) every week.
PIP is a benefit paid to people with long-term physical or mental health conditions of disabilities.
You may be eligible for the payment even if you are working or already receive other benefits.
Around 3 million Brits receive PIP - which can get you up to £156 a week - but many more may not realise they qualify for the cash.
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A number of so-called "hidden health conditions" make you eligible for the money including anxiety, depression, diabetes and hearing loss - as well as snoring, or sleep anea.
There are multiple different kinds of sleep apnea, but the most common one is called obstructive sleep apnea.
Snoring could be a huge sign of this as it often happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow for normal breathing.
This condition has been linked to obesity and getting older and causes breathing to stop and start while you sleep.
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Across the UK, there are around 2,217 people who are claiming support for sleep apnea and conditions of the upper respiratory tract, reports .
How much is PIP and am I eligible?
The DWP gives PIP to those aged 16 or over who have not reached state pension age.
You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
It is paid every four weeks and this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.
And you must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and be in one of these countries when you apply.
There are two different amounts you can get, with high and low rates for each one, and you may qualify for both parts:
Daily living support
- Standard rate - £61.85 a week - equivalent to £247.40 a month, or £3,216.20 a year.
- Enhanced rate - £92.40 a week - equivalent to £369.60 a month, or £4,804.80 a year.
Mobility support
- Standard rate - £24.45 a week - equivalent to £97.80 a month, or £1,271.40 a year.
- Enhanced rate - £64.50 a week - equivalent to £258 a month, or £3,354 a year.
PIP is paid to anyone who has a long-term physical or mental condition or disability which affects mobility or the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
This can also include a psychiatric diagnosis including anxiety, depression, mood disorders or stress.
More than £8,000 a year is available in state benefits to people who have certain health conditions.
And PIP payments of up to £156 a week are made via the DWP with the amount depending on health needs, conditions or disabilities.
If you qualify for PIP, you'll also get the £150 cost of living payment.
There are lots different symptoms linked to sleep apnea but some of the most obvious are loud snoring and abrupt awakenings followed by gasping and choking.
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Night time sweating, morning headaches, high blood pressure and a decreased libido are also huge tell-tale signs.
Without treatment, it can cause high blood pressure, increase the chances of having a stroke and lead to depression.
What to do if you think you have sleep apnea?
If you notice yourself experiencing mood changes such as depression or irritability, or are having difficulty concentrating you might want to go and pay your GP a visit.
Symptoms of sleep apnea mainly happen while you sleep.
They include:
- breathing stopping and starting
- making gasping, snorting or choking noises
- waking up a lot
- loud snoring
During the day, you may also:
- feel very tired
- find it hard to concentrate
- have mood swings
- have a headache when you wake up