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Athlete Personal Awards

UK Sport distributes Lottery funding through the World Class Performance Programme to help our best and most talented athletes achieve podium success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Athletes are nominated for support by the governing body of their sport. In addition to the programme support provided through the NGB, athletes can apply for an Athlete Personal Award. This is a contribution to the living and personal sporting costs incurred whilst training and competing as an elite athlete.

• Receiving an Athlete Personal Award (APA)
• APA Podium amounts 2011-12
• Means Testing amounts 2011-12 
• Terms & Conditions of the Award 
• Receiving State Benefits and an APA 
• Bank Details for Payment of APA
• References for Mortgage/Rental Applications 
• Leaving a UK Sport Funded Programme

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Receiving an Athlete Personal Award (APA)

The APA application process is managed by UK Sport. Nominated athletes receive an application form which must be completed in full and returned promptly. An offer letter will then be sent out if you qualify for an award. The exact amount of the APA will vary depending on your performance category and any other income you receive only. We do not take into account your gender, race, age, religion belief, sexual orientation or any disability that you may have in determining the amount of your award.

Each APA is offered for a maximum of 12 months. If you are nominated again at the end of an award period, you will need to complete a new application form.

If your income changes significantly during a 12 month cycle you must inform us, as it may affect the award you receive. Your award level may also change if your performance category changes following a major championship and/or performance review by your sport.

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APA Podium Amounts 2011-12

Table 1 APA maximums for 2011/2012 amounts [PDF, 79k]

Development Level APA maximums are determined by the National Governing Body and therefore vary between sports.

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Means Testing Amounts 2011-12

APAs are subject to “means testing”. This means that any other income you may be receiving is taken into account in calculating your award. If your other income plus the maximum APA for your performance level is greater than the means testing threshold (£64,200 for 2011/12) your APA will be reduced by the excess amount. You must declare all other income received each time you complete an APA application form.

Table 2 Means Testing Amounts 2011-12 [PDF, 78k] 

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Terms & Conditions of the Award

Your APA is subject to the terms and conditions of the award. It is important you read these in conjunction with your APA offer letter and these guidance notes. These terms and conditions relate to your APA award from UK Sport and are separate to the Athlete Agreement between you and your governing body.

Download the Terms and Conditions [PDF, 54k]

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Receiving State Benefits and an APA

If you are receiving any benefits from the Department of Work and Pensions, you must declare these on your APA application form. If you are receiving any means-tested benefits this will result in you receiving a General Purpose Training Support (GPTS) APA rather than a living costs award.

The GPTS has been specifically designed to cover expenses other than general living costs. This means that it does not impact on your benefits. An agreement is in place with DWP that athletes can receive both means-tested benefits and a GPTS APA at the same time. You need to declare your GPTS APA to DWP in the same way as you would for any other income.

Table 3 State Benefits 2011/2012 amounts [PDF, 79k].

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Bank Details for Payment of APA

APAs are paid by BACS transfer into your bank account. You will need to complete and sign a Bank Details form when you first apply for an APA, and if you subsequently change your account. If you need to nominate someone else to receive the award on your behalf this can be done using the same form. Please note that we can only pay APAs into UK bank accounts.

Download a Bank Details Form [PDF, 30k]

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References for Mortgage/Rental Applications

In the event that you wish to apply for a mortgage, or need a reference for a letting agency, please contact your Athlete Investment Officer (AIO) at UK Sport, who will be able to substantiate the award amount you receive to support any application. As each award is for a maximum of 12 months and is subject to regular performance reviews you will need to consider carefully and take advice on any long term financial commitments.

If you do not know who your AIO is please contact info@uksport.gov.uk

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Leaving a UK Sport Funded Programme

If you are not recommended for continuation on a UK Sport funded programme, or you have decided to retire, you may receive a period of notification/transitional funding (this does not apply in the event of disciplinary removal). When you sign up to your sports' terms and conditions in the Athlete Agreement you should receive an outline of the induction process, the continued standards required for inclusion and the transitional arrangements for athletes leaving the programme.

Your Performance Lifestyle Adviser will also be able to help you at this time and you are strongly advised to obtain their help and guidance.

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