Can You Claim Disability Tax Credit For Sleep Apnea In The UK?

If you are wondering whether or not you can claim Disability Tax Credit for sleep apnea in the UK, you will find the answer to your question in the following blog post. In addition to this, we will also explore if you need to provide medical evidence when filing a claim for Disability Tax Credit for sleep apnea; as well as whether there are any other benefits that you may be able to claim for your condition.

Can You Claim Disability Tax Credit For Sleep Apnea In The UK?

To determine whether sleep apnea qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, we need to consider the eligibility criteria set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP assesses eligibility based on the level of disability and the impact it has on an individual’s ability to carry out daily activities.

These include the following:

• The claimant works at least 16 hours a week. In this case, the disability element of Working Tax Credits can only be claimed by individuals who are working. 
• The disability places the claimant at a disadvantage in getting a job. This means that they are unable to sustain a standard 8-hour working day or a 5-day working week due to the severity of their condition.
• The claimant has previously received a qualifying benefit such as Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, National Insurance credits, Occupational Sick Pay (OSP), Severe Disablement Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

According to the eligibility criteria, sleep apnea alone may not be sufficient to qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. The DWP considers the severity of the condition and its impact on an individual’s ability to perform essential tasks. The focus is on the functional limitations caused by the condition rather than the specific diagnosis itself.

To claim the Disability Tax Credit for sleep apnea, it is crucial to provide comprehensive medical evidence that demonstrates how the condition affects your daily life and ability to carry out activities such as personal care, mobility, and communication.

If you are not sure whether or not you can claim Disability Tax Credit for sleep apnea in the UK, you can call the HMRC helpline at 0345 300 3900 from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm for guided details.

Do You Need To Provide Medical Evidence To Claim Disability Tax Credit For Sleep Apnea In The UK?

Yes, you need to provide medical evidence to claim Disability Tax Credit for sleep apnea in the UK. This may include the following:

• Documentation from a medical professional confirming the sleep apnea diagnosis.
• Details of the symptoms and impact, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and cognitive impairments, and how these symptoms affect your ability to perform daily tasks.
• Details of the treatments received, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or other interventions, and how they impact your condition and daily life.
• Reports and assessments from specialists like sleep physicians or respiratory consultants.

If you believe your sleep apnea significantly impacts your daily life and meets the eligibility criteria, you can start the application process for the Disability Tax Credit. 

However, it is important to note that eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit is assessed on an individual basis. Each application is reviewed considering the unique circumstances and evidence provided.

Are There Any Other Benefits That You Can Claim For Sleep Apnea In The UK?

While you may not be able to claim benefits for sleep apnea as a stand-alone condition; however if you suffer from severe symptoms that prevent you from everyday activities independently, you may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment.

If you are someone who is suffering from sleep apnea, you should file your PIP claim by calling the PIP new claims phone line at 0800 917 2222.

The amount that you will be able to claim with PIP depends on how difficult it is for you to:

• perform everyday activities
• move around in a familiar space

Similarly, if your condition affects your ability to work longer hours or work at all and you are either unemployed or on a low income due to sleep apnea, you may be able to claim Universal Credit either by calling their helpline at 0800 328 5644 or filing an online application.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while sleep apnea alone may not automatically qualify for the Disability Tax Credit in the UK, individuals with severe sleep apnea and substantial functional limitations may be eligible. Gathering comprehensive medical evidence and demonstrating the impact of sleep apnea on daily activities is crucial for a successful claim. In addition to this, consulting with healthcare professionals and seeking guidance from relevant organisations can help navigate the application process more effectively.

References:

Can I Claim Benefits For Sleep Apnea Uk ???? 2023 Updated

Britons who suffer from sleep apnoea could be entitled to £156 benefit payment | The Independent

How to qualify for the disability Helpline element of tax credits