Introduction to Moving from DLA to PIP
Moving from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a significant change for many adults in the UK who rely on disability benefits. DLA was a benefit designed to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition. However, the government is gradually replacing DLA for adults aged 16 to State Pension age with Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP is intended to provide support in a way that better reflects the needs of disabled people today. Unlike DLA, PIP uses a new assessment process to determine how your condition affects your daily life and mobility. This means even if you previously qualified for DLA, you will need to make a new claim and go through an assessment to be considered for PIP.
Understanding this transition is crucial. If you are currently receiving DLA and are between 16 and State Pension age, you will be invited to apply for PIP. Failing to apply when invited can result in your DLA payments stopping, so it’s important to respond promptly and prepare for the process.
On this page, you’ll find clear guidance on:
Who is affected by the move from DLA to PIP and the eligibility criteria for PIP
The steps involved in the application and assessment process
The difference between DLA and PIP, including how the benefits are calculated and what support they offer
How moving to PIP could impact other benefits and financial support you receive
The change from DLA to PIP can also affect other benefits and entitlements, such as Carer’s Allowance or means-tested benefits, because your eligibility or payment amounts may change. It’s important to understand what these changes mean for your situation so you can make informed decisions and avoid any unexpected disruptions to your financial support.
Whether you are just starting the transition or want to understand your rights, this page will guide you through the process and help you prepare for what’s ahead.
Understanding the Transition from DLA to PIP
When you move from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it’s important to understand who needs to switch, how the process works, and what changes you can expect. This transition affects most adults in the UK who previously received DLA, as the benefit system has gradually replaced DLA with PIP for people aged 16 and over.
Who Needs to Move from DLA to PIP?
If you’re aged between 16 and State Pension age and currently receive DLA, you will eventually need to switch to PIP. The government no longer accepts new DLA claims for people of working age. Instead, you’ll be invited to apply for PIP, usually when you turn 16 or when your existing DLA award comes up for renewal or review. For more on the background and who is affected, see Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
When and How Will You Be Invited to Claim PIP?
You don’t need to apply for PIP until you receive an invitation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP will contact you by letter, asking you to begin the PIP claim process. This usually happens:
Shortly before your 16th birthday, if you are already getting DLA as a child
When your current DLA award is due for renewal or review
If you report a change in circumstances that affects your DLA
If you do not respond to the invitation, your DLA payments may stop. Once you apply, you’ll continue to receive DLA until a decision is made about your PIP claim.
How Does the PIP Assessment Differ from DLA?
The assessment process for PIP is different from that for DLA. While DLA focused more on the type of disability or condition, PIP looks closely at how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily activities and get around. Most people will need to attend a face-to-face assessment with a health professional, who will ask about your day-to-day life and how your condition impacts you.
For a clear explanation of the differences between DLA and PIP, including how the assessment criteria have changed, visit our dedicated comparison page.
Changes in Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility rules for PIP are not the same as those for DLA. PIP is based on a points system, assessing your ability to perform specific tasks like preparing food, washing, dressing, managing treatments, and moving around. You may qualify for PIP even if you didn’t qualify for DLA, or vice versa, depending on how your condition affects you now.
If you have a learning disability, the process of claiming PIP for a learning disability has its own considerations, and it’s important to prepare for the assessment with this in mind.
What to Expect During the Transition
Once you’ve submitted your PIP claim, you’ll usually have a face-to-face assessment, after which the DWP will make a decision. Your DLA payments will continue for at least four weeks after the decision, so there’s no immediate gap in support. If you’re awarded PIP, your payments will start right after your DLA ends. If your PIP claim is unsuccessful, your DLA will stop, but you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration or appeal.
For more detailed, step-by-step advice, see Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at Citizens Advice.
Understanding the transition from DLA to PIP can help you prepare for the changes ahead and ensure you get the support you’re entitled to. If you need more information about the official process or changes in the law, refer to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidance.
How Moving from DLA to PIP Affects Other Benefits
When you move from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it’s important to understand how this change might affect your other benefits. The switch to PIP can have a knock-on effect on payments such as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit. Here’s what you need to know to manage your financial support during this transition.
Impact on Universal Credit
PIP, like DLA, is a non-means-tested benefit, which means you can usually receive it alongside other benefits. However, the transition to PIP can sometimes affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits, particularly Universal Credit. For example, receiving PIP may entitle you to extra elements within your Universal Credit claim, such as the limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) element or the carer element if someone cares for you.
It’s important to check how your new PIP award might change your Universal Credit payments. For more details on this relationship, see Universal Credit](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/getting-pip-after-youve-reached-state-pension-age/) or explore our guide on [PIP versus Universal Credit.
Impact on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), your switch from DLA to PIP might alter the amount you receive or the components you qualify for. For example, some ESA premiums are linked to your disability benefit status, so your entitlement to certain premiums may change if your PIP award differs from your previous DLA award. Always report your move to PIP to the DWP to ensure your ESA is calculated correctly.
Impact on Housing Benefit
Your entitlement to Housing Benefit can also be affected when you move from DLA to PIP. Certain elements of Housing Benefit, such as disability premiums, depend on your disability benefit status. If your PIP award is lower than your DLA, or if you are not awarded PIP, you may lose access to some premiums, which could reduce your Housing Benefit. It’s crucial to notify your local council and the DWP about any changes to your disability benefits to avoid overpayments or gaps in support.
Reporting Changes and Avoiding Issues
Whenever your benefit status changes, you must inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and any other agencies that pay you benefits. Failing to report changes promptly could lead to overpayments, which you may need to repay, or missed support. You should also update your local council if you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
You can find more information about reporting changes for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and other benefits directly from the relevant authority.
Managing Your Financial Support
To manage your finances during the transition:
Check all your benefit entitlements: When you receive your PIP decision, review your other benefits and see if your entitlements have changed.
Seek advice if needed: If you’re unsure how your benefits may be affected, contact an advice service or check official guidance.
Keep records: Save copies of all letters and communications with the DWP or your local council.
Act quickly: Report any changes as soon as possible to avoid payment delays or errors.
For a more detailed overview of how PIP interacts with other benefits, visit our page on how PIP affects other benefits.
If you need further help with your transition from DLA to PIP, including how it might affect your wider financial situation, you can also refer to Moving from DLA to PIP – Citizens Advice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Switching from DLA to PIP
When you move from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), there’s a clear process to follow. Understanding each step can help you prepare and give you the best chance of making a successful claim.
1. Receiving the Invitation to Apply
You cannot apply for PIP as an adult until you are officially invited by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP will send you a letter when it’s time to switch from DLA to PIP. This usually happens if you were aged 16 to 64 on or after 8 April 2013. The letter will explain how to begin your claim and give you a deadline to respond – usually about four weeks.
Important: If you don’t respond to the invitation, your DLA payments may stop.
2. Starting Your PIP Application
To begin, you’ll need to contact the DWP using the details in your letter. They’ll ask for some basic information to start your claim, known as the ‘PIP1’ stage. You can look at the PIP application form in advance to get an idea of what’s required.
After this, you’ll receive a longer form called ‘How your disability affects you’ (PIP2). Here, you must give detailed information about how your condition affects your daily life and mobility. Be as specific as possible, using examples from your day-to-day routine. If you have supporting evidence – like letters from doctors, care plans, or prescription lists – include copies with your form.
For more detailed guidance on the PIP application process, you can review the official resources provided.
3. The Assessment and Decision Timeline
Once you return your completed form, most people will be invited to a face-to-face or telephone assessment with a health professional. This is a key part of the process and helps the DWP understand how your condition affects you. The assessment looks at both your physical and mental health needs. If you want to know what the assessment involves, you can read this PIP assessment guidance, which is designed for clinicians but is useful for claimants too.
After your assessment, the DWP will make a decision based on your form, the assessment report, and any evidence you provided. You should receive a decision letter within a few weeks, although it can sometimes take longer.
4. If Your PIP Claim Is Refused or You Want to Appeal
If your claim is refused, or you’re unhappy with the level of award, you have the right to challenge the decision. First, you must ask for ‘mandatory reconsideration’ – this means the DWP will look at your claim again. If you’re still not satisfied after this, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
The appeal process is explained in detail by Citizens Advice. They provide step-by-step guidance on how to apply for a tribunal and what to expect.
Practical Tips for a Successful Switch
Respond to your DWP invitation as soon as possible to avoid disruption to your benefits.
Take your time with the PIP2 form – give detailed answers and include supporting documents.
Keep copies of everything you send.
Prepare for your assessment with notes about how your condition affects your daily life.
If you need help, consider seeking advice from a support organisation or a trusted professional.
Switching from DLA to PIP can feel daunting, but understanding the PIP application process and knowing where to find support can make a big difference. If you need further information on how PIP works or what to expect at each stage, follow the links above for more detailed guidance.
Comparing PIP and DLA: What You Need to Know
Moving from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can feel overwhelming, especially as the two benefits have some important differences. Understanding how they compare will help you feel more prepared for the transition and know what to expect in terms of eligibility, assessment, and financial support.
Key Differences in Eligibility
One of the main changes between DLA and PIP is who can claim. DLA is being phased out for most adults, and PIP has replaced it for people aged 16 to State Pension age. The eligibility criteria for PIP are different and focus more on how your condition affects your daily life, rather than the condition itself. To see the full eligibility criteria for PIP, visit the official GOV.UK page.
Assessment Process
The way your needs are assessed is also different. DLA claims were often based on written information provided by you and your doctor. In contrast, PIP uses a points-based system and usually involves a face-to-face or telephone assessment with a health professional. This assessment looks at how your disability or health condition affects your ability to carry out a range of daily living and mobility activities. You can find a detailed breakdown of the benefit components, including what is assessed and how the scoring works, on GOV.UK.
Payment Rates and Components
Both DLA and PIP are made up of different components, but the way they are structured and awarded is not the same. DLA had a care component (with three rates) and a mobility component (with two rates). PIP, on the other hand, has two parts: daily living and mobility, each with just two rates (standard and enhanced). The amount you receive depends on the number of points you score during your assessment. For a full explanation of these benefit components, check the government guidance.
How These Changes Might Affect Your Financial Support
Because PIP uses a different assessment method, some people receive more support after switching, while others may get less or no award at all. It’s important to prepare for the possibility that your entitlement could change. If you’re worried about how this might affect your finances, it’s a good idea to gather evidence about how your condition affects your daily life before you start your PIP application.
Understanding the Terminology
You might notice some new terms when moving from DLA to PIP. For example, “care component” in DLA is now referred to as the “daily living component” in PIP. The “mobility component” remains, but the criteria for each rate are different. For a straightforward PIP versus DLA comparison and further details on DLA vs PIP, these resources provide helpful side-by-side overviews.
By understanding these differences, you can better prepare for the move from DLA to PIP and make sure you have all the information needed to support your application. If you want to find out more about the specific rules and assessments, don’t forget to check the official eligibility criteria and benefit components for PIP.
Additional Resources and Support
If you need extra help while moving from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), there are several organisations and resources you can turn to for guidance and support.
Useful Contacts and Organisations
Citizens Advice offers free, confidential advice on claiming PIP, filling in forms, and preparing for assessments. Their advisers can help you understand your rights and what evidence you might need.
Local council welfare rights teams can provide support with PIP applications and appeals. Many councils have dedicated staff who understand the process and can help you navigate it.
Charities and support groups – such as disability charities – often have helplines, online resources, and local branches that can guide you through the transition from DLA to PIP.
Official Government Resources
For the most up-to-date information about changes to PIP and how they might affect you, you should consult official government resources. These documents outline recent updates to PIP law, including how certain conditions are assessed and what evidence is considered.
If you want to learn more about how PIP works, including eligibility, assessment criteria, and how it differs from DLA, visit our Personal Independence Payment (PIP) information page for a clear overview.
Getting Help with Your Claim
The process of moving from DLA to PIP can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure about the paperwork or the assessment. If you find the process difficult, don’t hesitate to seek support. Bringing a friend, family member, or advocate to appointments can provide reassurance. Professional advisers can also help you gather the right medical evidence and prepare for your assessment.
Remember, you have the right to ask for help at any stage. If you disagree with a decision, you can challenge it through a mandatory reconsideration or appeal. Many support organisations can guide you through these steps and help you understand your options.
By reaching out to these resources and staying informed, you can give yourself the best chance of a smooth transition from DLA to PIP.
