When DLA payments stop: The transition at age 16
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit specifically for children under 16 with long-term health conditions or disabilities. When a young person who receives DLA reaches their 16th birthday, their DLA award comes to an end, and they must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to continue receiving financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send a letter inviting the young person to claim PIP, typically shortly after their 16th birthday. This transition is not automatic and requires proactive steps to avoid a break in payments.
The DLA to PIP transition process
Here is a step-by-step overview of the process for moving from DLA to PIP:
- Receive the invitation letter: Shortly after the young person's 16th birthday, the DWP will send a letter inviting them to apply for PIP.
- Call to start the claim: A claim must be initiated by calling the PIP claim line within a specified deadline, usually 28 days from the date on the letter.
- Complete the 'How your disability affects you' form: The DWP will post a detailed questionnaire, which must be completed and returned, typically within one month. This form asks for detailed information on how the condition affects daily life, requiring supporting evidence.
- Attend an assessment: Most applicants are required to attend a consultation with a health professional, which can be face-to-face, by phone, or by video. The assessment evaluates a person's ability to perform daily living and mobility tasks.
- Await the decision: The DWP will send a decision letter. If the application is successful, PIP payments will begin after the final DLA payment.
If the young person does not start the PIP claim within the initial 28-day window, DLA payments will stop. However, the DWP will send a second letter, providing a final 28-day opportunity to apply. If the application is submitted within this second period, DLA payments can be reinstated, though not backdated.
Comparing DLA and PIP assessments
The most significant change during the transition is the assessment criteria. DLA is based on the care needs of a child compared to a non-disabled child of the same age. PIP, however, assesses the functional impact of a person's disability on their daily life and mobility, using a points-based system.
| Feature | Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Personal Independence Payment (PIP) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Age Group | Children under 16. | Individuals aged 16 to state pension age. |
| Assessment Focus | Compares the child's care and mobility needs to a non-disabled child of the same age. | Assesses the individual's ability to carry out 10 daily living and 2 mobility activities. |
| Components | Care (low, middle, high rate) and Mobility (low, high rate). | Daily Living (standard, enhanced rate) and Mobility (standard, enhanced rate). |
| Assessment Method | Primarily paper-based with submitted medical evidence; medical assessments are rare. | Often involves a face-to-face or telephone consultation with a health professional, in addition to paperwork. |
| Risk of Award Change | Low; based on DLA criteria. | High; the criteria are different, so the previous DLA award does not guarantee a similar PIP outcome. |
Other considerations for the transition
When a young person moves from DLA to PIP, several other aspects may be affected:
- Appointee status: An appointee for DLA does not automatically become the appointee for PIP. A new application must be made to the DWP to manage the young person's benefits.
- Motability scheme: Eligibility for the Motability scheme is linked to the enhanced rate of the mobility component. Since the criteria for the enhanced mobility rate are different for PIP, there is a risk of losing a Motability vehicle.
- Other benefits: Certain additional premiums in benefits like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit may be affected if the young person does not qualify for PIP or receives a lower award.
Planning ahead for a smooth transition
To ensure a smooth transition, preparing for the PIP application is crucial:
- Gather evidence early: Collect all relevant medical reports, diagnosis letters, educational health and care plans (EHCPs), and other documents that detail the impact of the condition.
- Keep a diary: Maintain a detailed log of the challenges faced, especially on bad days, for at least three months. This provides crucial evidence for the application form and assessment.
- Seek independent advice: Charities like Citizens Advice, Scope, and Contact provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the process.
- Involve the young person: It is important to involve the young person in the process, as the PIP claim is made in their name.
Conclusion
The age at which you lose DLA is 16, marking a critical transition point for young people with disabilities. The move to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) requires a new application and assessment under different, more stringent criteria. Early preparation, including gathering evidence and seeking expert advice, is essential to navigating this process successfully and avoiding a break in financial support. Understanding the new assessment's focus on functional ability is key to building a strong application. For detailed guidance on preparing for the PIP assessment, the Citizens Advice website offers valuable resources.
