Benefits Robin

PIP vs DLA

Compare Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Learn about eligibility, rates, and the transition from DLA to PIP.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Maximum amount

Up to £184.30/week

Means-tested

No

Age group

Working age (16 to State Pension age)

Key features

  • Replaced DLA for adults aged 16+
  • Two components: daily living and mobility
  • Points-based assessment with health professional consultation
  • Regular reviews and reassessments
  • Not affected by income, savings, or employment

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Maximum amount

Up to £184.30/week

Means-tested

No

Age group

Children under 16

Key features

  • Now only available for children under 16
  • Two components: care (three rates) and mobility (two rates)
  • Paper-based application
  • No face-to-face assessment for most claims
  • Children transition to PIP at age 16

Key Differences

Who can claim

Personal Independence Payment

Adults aged 16 to State Pension age

Disability Living Allowance

Children under 16 only (new claims)

Care/daily living rates

Personal Independence Payment

Two rates: standard (£72.65/week) and enhanced (£108.55/week)

Disability Living Allowance

Three rates: lowest (£28.70/week), middle (£72.65/week), highest (£108.55/week)

Assessment method

Personal Independence Payment

Points-based; usually includes a consultation with a health professional

Disability Living Allowance

Paper-based; no routine face-to-face assessment

Review frequency

Personal Independence Payment

Regular reviews — award period set by DWP

Disability Living Allowance

Awards can be indefinite for children; reviewed at age 16

Mobility component

Personal Independence Payment

Standard (£28.70/week) or enhanced (£72.65/week)

Disability Living Allowance

Lower rate (£28.70/week) or higher rate (£72.65/week)

Which Could Be Right for You?

If you are applying for a child under 16, DLA is the relevant benefit. If you are an adult aged 16 to State Pension age, PIP is the relevant benefit. Children receiving DLA will be invited to claim PIP as they approach their 16th birthday. The DWP will contact you about this transition — you do not need to do anything until you receive a letter.

Can You Claim Both?

No, you cannot receive both PIP and DLA. PIP replaced DLA for adults. When a child receiving DLA reaches 16, they will be invited to claim PIP. During the transition period, DLA payments typically continue until a PIP decision is made.

Learn More About Each Benefit

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Up to £184.30/week · Working age (16 to State Pension age)

View benefit details

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Up to £184.30/week · Children under 16

View benefit details

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when my child on DLA turns 16?
When your child approaches their 16th birthday, the DWP will write to invite them to claim PIP. DLA payments usually continue until a decision on PIP is made. The PIP assessment process is different from DLA — it uses a points-based system and may involve a consultation with a health professional. It is a good idea to start gathering supporting evidence before the transition.
Can adults still receive DLA?
Some adults who were receiving DLA before PIP was introduced may still be receiving it if they have not yet been reassessed. However, all working-age DLA recipients are being gradually moved to PIP through reassessment. If you are still receiving DLA as an adult, you will eventually be contacted by the DWP about claiming PIP.
Is PIP harder to get than DLA was?
PIP uses a different assessment process from DLA. The PIP points-based system focuses on what you can and cannot do, and usually includes a consultation with a health professional. Some people find the PIP process more intensive. However, many people do successfully transition from DLA to PIP. If your PIP application is not successful, you have the right to request a mandatory reconsideration and then appeal.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.