Snoring isn’t just a major inconvenience to those around you, it can also cause shame and embarrassment to the snorer.
And seeing as the condition can be part of a health diagnosis, it might mean you can claim benefits as a result.
That’s because there’s a ‘hidden health condition’ appendage covered by Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which includes snoring alongside other long-term issues like anxiety, depression, diabetes, and hearing loss.
Around three million people currently receive PIP, but many are unaware that chronic snorers can be considered.
Because snoring is often a result of a disorder like sleep apnoea, claimants can be assessed by a medical professional, with a diagnosis factoring into the amount awarded.
This can work out to be a decent sum of cash – up to £156 a week for those eligible – so it’s worth checking to see if it applies to you.
For those wondering, PIP is a benefit that can help with extra living costs if you have both:
- a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition
You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings, or are getting most other benefits.
Snoring affects many of us. It is caused by things such as your tongue, mouth, throat or airways in your nose vibrating as you breathe.
It happens because these parts of your body relax and narrow when you’re asleep. You’re more likely to snore if you’re overweight, smoke. drink too much alcohol, and/or sleep on your back.
Sometimes snoring is caused by a condition like sleep apnoea, which is when your airways become temporarily blocked as you sleep.
Symptoms of sleep apnoea 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
According to Kent Live, there are currently 2,217 people across the UK claiming snoring benefits through Personal Independence Payment for sleep apnoea and conditions of the upper respiratory tract.
You can find out if you’re eligible for PIP on the government website.
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