What are PIP and DLA?
What are PIP and DLA?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are both UK benefits designed to help people with disabilities or long-term health conditions manage the extra costs of daily life. While they share a similar purpose, there are important differences in who can claim them, how they work, and why they exist.
What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
DLA was introduced to provide financial support for people who need help with personal care or getting around because of a disability or health condition. It is made up of two parts: a care component and a mobility component, each paid at different rates depending on the level of help needed.
Originally, DLA was available to both adults and children. However, it is now mainly for children under 16. Most adults who previously received DLA have been asked to move to a new benefit called PIP. If you want to learn more about how DLA works and who can still claim it, Age UK offers a helpful overview on Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
PIP was introduced to gradually replace DLA for adults. It is aimed at people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. PIP is also made up of two parts: a daily living component and a mobility component, each with standard and enhanced rates.
PIP is awarded based on how your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday activities, rather than the condition itself. The assessment process for PIP is different from DLA and often involves a face-to-face consultation. For a detailed explanation of how PIP works and how the transition from DLA happens, visit Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Key Differences Between PIP and DLA
Age Eligibility: DLA is now only available for children under 16. PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age. If you are already getting DLA as an adult, you may be invited to apply for PIP instead.
Assessment Process: PIP uses a points-based assessment focused on how your condition affects your daily life, rather than the type of condition you have. DLA assessments were generally based on the help you needed.
Purpose: Both benefits are designed to help with extra costs related to disability or health conditions, but PIP aims to provide a more consistent and up-to-date way of assessing needs.
How Do These Benefits Support Claimants?
Both PIP and DLA provide regular financial support to help cover the additional costs that come with living with a disability or long-term health condition. This can include help with personal care, getting around, or other daily activities. The amount you receive depends on how much your condition affects your life, not your income or savings.
Understanding the interplay with other benefits is also important, as receiving PIP or DLA can affect your entitlement to other support, such as Carer’s Allowance or means-tested benefits.
If you are unsure which benefit applies to your situation, or if you are moving from DLA to PIP, it’s important to get up-to-date advice to ensure you receive the right support.
Eligibility Criteria for PIP and DLA
Eligibility Criteria for PIP and DLA
Understanding who can claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is essential for anyone seeking support with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition. Although both benefits are designed to help with similar needs, their eligibility criteria differ significantly, particularly around age and the application process.
Who Can Claim DLA?
DLA is a benefit aimed at helping with the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability or health condition. In the UK, DLA is only available for children under 16. Adults can no longer make new claims for DLA; instead, they must apply for PIP. To qualify for DLA, a child must:
Be under 16 years old.
Have lived in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years (with some exceptions).
Have a disability or health condition that means they need more care or have more difficulty getting around than a child of the same age without a disability.
Have had these needs for at least 3 months and expect them to last for at least 6 months (unless they are terminally ill).
If your child already receives DLA, they will usually be invited to claim PIP when they approach their 16th birthday.
Who Can Claim PIP?
PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age who need help with daily living activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability. You can claim PIP if you:
Are aged 16 or over and under State Pension age when you start your claim.
Have a health condition or disability that affects your daily living or mobility.
Have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last for at least 9 months (unless you are terminally ill).
Are living in England, Wales, or Scotland (with some residence and presence conditions).
Unlike DLA, PIP is assessed differently and is gradually replacing DLA for adults. If you’re already receiving DLA and are aged 16 or over, you’ll be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to apply for PIP instead. For more information on how the DWP manages these benefits, see the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Key Differences in Eligibility
The main differences in eligibility between the two benefits are:
Age: DLA is only for children under 16, while PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age.
New Claims: You cannot make a new claim for DLA if you are 16 or older; you must apply for PIP instead.
Assessment Process: PIP requires a face-to-face assessment in most cases, where a health professional will evaluate how your condition affects your life. DLA for children is usually assessed based on medical evidence and supporting information from parents or carers, but sometimes further assessment is needed.
For a detailed comparison, see our guide on comparing DLA and PIP eligibility.
How Your Situation Affects Which Benefit You Can Apply For
Your age and health condition are the main factors in determining which benefit you can claim:
If you are under 16: You can apply for DLA.
If you are 16 or over and under State Pension age: You should apply for PIP.
If you are already receiving DLA and turn 16: You will be invited to claim PIP instead; your DLA payments will continue until the DWP contacts you about switching.
If you reach State Pension age and are already receiving PIP, you can usually continue to receive it. However, if you try to claim for the first time after reaching State Pension age, you may need to apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
The Role of Medical Assessments and Evidence
Both DLA and PIP require evidence about how your health condition or disability affects your everyday life. For DLA, this often means providing detailed information from parents, carers, and medical professionals about the child’s needs. For PIP, you will usually need to attend a medical assessment where a health professional will ask questions and may carry out simple physical tests. Medical evidence, such as letters from your GP or specialist, can strengthen your claim for both benefits.
For further details on how these benefits are assessed and managed, refer to the official Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidance.
Understanding these eligibility rules can help you decide which benefit to apply for and prepare the right evidence for your claim. If you need more help, explore our resources on comparing DLA and PIP eligibility to find the best option for your situation.
How PIP and DLA Work: Payments and Components
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are both benefits designed to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition. However, they work in different ways, with distinct payment structures, components, and assessment processes. Understanding how each benefit is paid can help you decide which is most relevant to your circumstances or what to expect if you are transitioning from DLA to PIP.
PIP: Payment Structure and Components
PIP is made up of two main components:
Daily Living Component: This is for people who need help with everyday tasks, such as preparing food, washing, dressing, or communicating.
Mobility Component: This is for those who have difficulties getting around.
Each component is paid at either a standard rate or an enhanced rate, depending on how your condition affects you. The amount you receive is based on an assessment of your needs, rather than your specific medical condition.
As of the 2023/24 tax year, the weekly rates for PIP are:
Daily Living Component:
Standard rate: £68.10
Enhanced rate: £101.75
Mobility Component:
Standard rate: £26.90
Enhanced rate: £71.00
PIP is usually paid every four weeks directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. Assessments are carried out by a health professional, often involving a face-to-face or telephone consultation. Awards can be for a fixed period or ongoing, with regular reviews to ensure your needs are still being met.
DLA: Payment Structure and Components
DLA is made up of two parts:
Care Component: For those who need help with personal care, such as eating, washing, or supervision to keep safe. This component is paid at three different rates: lowest, middle, or highest, depending on the level of care needed.
Mobility Component: For people who have difficulty walking or need help getting around. This is paid at either a lower or higher rate.
For more detail on the specific levels and what they cover, see the DLA care and mobility components guidance provided by ADDvanced Solutions.
DLA is also paid every four weeks, usually into your bank account. Unlike PIP, DLA is only available to children under 16. Adults who were already receiving DLA before PIP was introduced may continue to get it, but most adults are now required to claim PIP instead.
Comparing PIP and DLA: Rates and Key Differences
Number of Rates: DLA care component has three rates (lowest, middle, highest), while PIP daily living and mobility components each have two (standard, enhanced).
Eligibility: DLA is primarily for children under 16, while PIP is for those aged 16 to State Pension age.
Assessment Process: PIP requires a detailed assessment focusing on how your condition affects your daily life and mobility, while DLA assessments are generally based on the information provided in the claim form and supporting evidence.
Payment Frequency: Both benefits are usually paid every four weeks, directly to your account.
Assessment Periods and Ongoing Reviews
Both PIP and DLA are reviewed regularly. For PIP, your award length depends on how likely your needs are to change, and you may be reassessed periodically. DLA awards can also be for a fixed period or indefinite, but children’s claims are reviewed as they get older.
If you are moving from DLA to PIP (which happens when a child turns 16 or if an adult is invited to switch), there may be a transition period where you continue to receive DLA until your PIP claim is decided.
Understanding the components, rates, and how the payment structures differ between PIP and DLA is important when planning your finances or supporting someone with a disability. For more detailed breakdowns of what each DLA component covers, refer to the DLA care and mobility components resource.
Transitioning from DLA to PIP
Transitioning from DLA to PIP
The UK government is gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to 64 with Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This change aims to ensure that support is better targeted to those who need it most, taking into account how a person’s condition affects their daily life, rather than focusing solely on the condition itself.
Why is DLA being replaced by PIP?
DLA was originally designed for children and adults with disabilities, but the government decided to introduce PIP to provide a more up-to-date and fair assessment process for working-age adults. Since April 2013, new claims for DLA from people aged 16 to 64 are no longer accepted, and existing DLA claimants in this age group are being invited to apply for PIP instead.
The Reassessment Process
If you currently receive DLA and are aged between 16 and the State Pension age, you will be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) when it is time for your benefit to be reviewed. This is called the reassessment process. You will receive a letter inviting you to claim PIP, and you’ll have a set period to respond.
The transition involves completing a new application and, in most cases, attending a face-to-face assessment where you’ll be asked about how your condition affects your daily life and mobility. The assessment is carried out by a health professional who will report their findings to the DWP. Decisions are made using a points-based system, which may be different from how DLA was awarded.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, including what to expect from the assessment and how to prepare, see our page on moving from DLA to PIP.
If you have a mental health condition, or you are supporting someone who does, the official Reassessment process for DLA to PIP guidance for clinicians offers helpful insights into what evidence may be needed and how the process works.
What Claimants Need to Know
It’s important to be aware that your payments may change after reassessment. Some people may receive more support, some less, and others may not qualify for PIP at all. This is because PIP has different criteria and assessment methods compared to DLA.
You won’t automatically lose your benefit: Your DLA will continue until a decision is made about your PIP claim, as long as you respond to the invitation and complete the process.
You must apply for PIP when invited: If you do not respond, your DLA payments will stop.
Evidence is key: Gather up-to-date information about how your condition affects you, such as medical reports, care plans, and statements from people who help you day-to-day.
Managing the Transition Smoothly
To make the transition from DLA to PIP as smooth as possible:
Respond promptly to any letters from the DWP.
Prepare for your assessment by keeping a diary of how your condition affects you, and consider taking someone with you for support.
Seek advice if you’re unsure about the process or need help with your application.
Check your award letter carefully to understand any changes in your entitlement.
If your circumstances change or you disagree with a decision, you have the right to ask for a mandatory reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal.
For more guidance, including tips and what to expect at each stage, visit our page on moving from DLA to PIP.
Understanding the transition process and your rights can help you feel more confident and prepared as you move from DLA to PIP.
How Receiving One Benefit Affects Eligibility for the Other and Other Benefits
When it comes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), understanding how one benefit affects eligibility for the other – and how both interact with wider benefits – is essential for making informed choices and avoiding common pitfalls.
Can You Claim PIP and DLA at the Same Time?
In most cases, you cannot receive both PIP and DLA at the same time for the same person. PIP was introduced to gradually replace DLA for people aged 16 to State Pension age. If you’re invited to claim PIP, your DLA will usually stop once your PIP claim is decided. There are some exceptions for children under 16, who can still claim DLA, and for people who were already receiving DLA and were born before 8 April 1948 – these individuals may continue to receive DLA instead of moving to PIP.
If you receive DLA for a child and PIP for yourself as an adult, this is allowed, as the claims are for different people. However, adults cannot claim both for themselves.
How PIP or DLA Affects Other Benefits
Both PIP and DLA are non-means-tested benefits, which means they are not affected by your income or savings. However, receiving either can impact your entitlement to other benefits:
Universal Credit: PIP and DLA are not counted as income for Universal Credit, so they won’t reduce your Universal Credit payments. In fact, getting PIP or DLA may make you eligible for extra elements within Universal Credit, such as the Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element. To learn more about how these benefits interact, see PIP and Universal Credit and the recent legal developments discussed in Universal Credit: how a recent Court of Appeal decision could help disabled claimants and their families – Lexology.
Other Benefits: Receiving PIP or DLA can also entitle you to additional support, such as Carer’s Allowance (if someone cares for you), the disability premium in legacy benefits, or help with travel costs and council tax reductions. For a broader overview, visit our guide on the interplay with other benefits.
Managing Overlapping Claims and Understanding Interactions
If you are moving from DLA to PIP, it’s important to respond promptly to any invitation from the DWP to claim PIP. Failing to do so may result in your DLA payments stopping. If you are unsure which benefit you should be claiming, or if you believe you are eligible for additional support because of your disability, seek advice before making any changes to your claims.
When receiving multiple benefits, be aware that some are interlinked. For example, if you receive the mobility component of PIP or DLA, this can affect eligibility for a Motability vehicle. Similarly, being awarded PIP or DLA can impact Carer’s Allowance for someone who provides you with care.
Keeping the DWP Informed
It is crucial to keep the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) informed about any changes in your circumstances. This includes changes in your health, your care or mobility needs, or if you start or stop receiving another benefit. Not reporting changes promptly can lead to overpayments, underpayments, or even penalties.
By understanding how PIP and DLA interact – with each other and with other benefits – you can ensure you’re receiving the right support and avoid unnecessary complications. For more details on benefit interactions, check our dedicated page on the interplay with other benefits.
Additional Support and Related Benefits
When you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you may be entitled to a range of additional support and related benefits designed to make daily life easier. Understanding these options can help you access the full range of assistance available and improve your quality of life.
Linked Benefits and Schemes
One of the most widely used schemes connected to PIP and DLA is the Blue Badge scheme. This scheme allows eligible people with disabilities to park closer to their destination, making travel and access to services more manageable. If you receive certain rates of PIP or DLA, you may automatically qualify for a Blue Badge. For detailed eligibility criteria and information on how local authorities administer this scheme, you can visit the official Blue Badge parking scheme guidance.
In addition to parking concessions, receiving PIP or DLA can help you qualify for other types of support, such as:
Motability Scheme: If you receive the higher rate mobility component of DLA or the enhanced mobility rate of PIP, you may be able to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair through the Motability scheme.
Public Transport Discounts: Many local councils offer free or discounted travel on buses, trains, or trams for people receiving disability benefits.
Council Tax Reductions: Some local authorities provide reductions or exemptions from Council Tax for households where someone receives PIP or DLA.
Exemption from Vehicle Tax: If you receive the enhanced mobility component of PIP or the higher rate mobility component of DLA, you may be eligible for free or reduced vehicle tax.
Accessing Housing and Public Service Adjustments
Eligibility for PIP or DLA can also support your right to request reasonable adjustments in your home and when accessing public services. For example, you may be able to apply for grants to adapt your home – such as installing ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms – if your disability makes daily living tasks difficult. Understanding your disability adjustments rights is crucial, as it can help you secure the changes you need to live more independently.
Practical Tips for Claiming Related Support
Check Automatic Entitlements: Some schemes, like the Blue Badge or Motability, may use your PIP or DLA award letter as proof of eligibility, streamlining the application process.
Speak to Your Local Authority: Councils often administer additional support, such as housing adaptations or travel discounts. Contact them directly to find out what’s available in your area.
Keep Documentation Up to Date: Ensure you have current award letters and supporting documents, as these are often required when applying for related benefits.
Seek Advice: Charities and advice organisations can help you understand the full range of support linked to your disability benefit and assist with applications.
Why Exploring All Support Options Matters
Knowing about these additional benefits and schemes can make a significant difference to your independence, mobility, and overall well-being. By exploring every avenue of support, you can maximise the assistance you receive and ensure your needs are met – both now and as your circumstances change.
For more detailed guidance, always refer to official resources and seek advice if you’re unsure about your entitlements.
Summary and Next Steps
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are both benefits designed to support people with disabilities, but they differ in important ways. PIP has largely replaced DLA for most adults, with different eligibility criteria, assessment methods, and payment structures. DLA is now generally only available to children under 16, while adults who previously claimed DLA are gradually being reassessed for PIP.
When deciding which benefit applies to your situation, it’s essential to consider your age, the nature of your disability or health condition, and whether you are already receiving DLA. For adults aged 16 to State Pension age, PIP is usually the relevant benefit. Children under 16 may still qualify for DLA. If you’re already on DLA and have been invited to claim PIP, you’ll need to go through a reassessment process.
If you’re unsure about your next steps, consider the following:
Applying for the right benefit: If you’re new to disability benefits, check your age and circumstances to see whether you should apply for PIP or DLA.
Reassessment: If you currently receive DLA and have been contacted about switching to PIP, make sure to respond promptly to avoid any gaps in your support. For practical guidance on this process, see our section on moving from DLA to PIP.
Seeking advice: If you’re unsure about eligibility or your claim, it may help to consult with a benefits adviser or explore more detailed comparisons, such as our DLA vs PIP comparison.
Keep in mind that both PIP and DLA can interact with other benefits you might receive. To understand how these disability benefits fit within the wider system, visit our page on the interplay with other benefits.
If you also receive or are considering Universal Credit, you may want to read about PIP vs Universal Credit to learn how these benefits work together.
Ultimately, choosing the right benefit and understanding the transition from DLA to PIP can make a significant difference to your financial support. Take time to review your circumstances, seek advice if needed, and use the resources linked above to guide your next steps.
