All Articles
5 min read
DLA to PIP at Age 16: Parent’s Guide to Your Child’s Transition
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
August 1, 2025
When your child turns 16, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) usually ends — and they’ll be invited to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you’re worried about what that means or what could go wrong, you’re not alone. Here’s your clear, parent-friendly guide to the DLA to PIP transition, including timelines, tips, and what to do if things don’t go as planned.
Please note: If you live in Scotland and you receive Child Disability Payment, this will continue until your child is 18.
In This Article
- What’s the Difference Between DLA and PIP
- When and Who Needs to Switch
- Understanding the PIP Application Process
- Can I Still be My Child’s Appointee
- How Much Will You Get on PIP?
- What’s the Timeline for Transition and Payments
- What If Their PIP Application Is Refused
- What If You Don’t Apply Within 28 Days
- What Happens If You Currently get Motability
- Top Tips for a Smooth Transition from DLA to PIP
- What’s Changing in the Future
- Conclusion
What’s The Difference Between DLA And PIP?
First, let’s break down the difference between DLA and PIP:
- DLA is a legacy benefit for children under 16, which is made up of two components:
- Care component – providing support with personal care needs
- Mobility component – providing help with getting around
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment), which replaces DLA for adults and teenagers over 16, includes:
- Daily Living component – to help support day-to-day activities
- Mobility component – to help support with travel and movement
The key difference? PIP focuses on how a condition affects a person’s ability to live independently, rather than just the diagnosis and is for people aged 16 and above. To access support, you’ll need to go through the PIP application process, which includes an assessment based on your functional needs.
When And Who Needs To Switch?
The transition from DLA to PIP typically begins when a young person turns 16 years old. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send a letter inviting your child to apply for PIP.
⚠️ Important: It’s important to start the PIP application within four weeks of getting this letter. If you don’t, your child’s DLA payments will stop
As long as you start the PIP application within the 4 weeks, your DLA benefit payment will continue until a decision is made.
Understanding The PIP Application Process
To move from DLA to PIP, your child will need to go through the following steps:
- Call DWP to start your claim when you receive the invitation letter.
- Fill in the ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ form — this is a crucial part of your PIP application.
- Provide evidence — GP notes, letters from support workers, or school reports.
- Attend an assessment, either face-to-face, via phone, or by video.
- Wait for the decision — this can take around 14 weeks, sometimes longer.
You’ll be scored on how your condition affects your ability – the form uses PIP descriptors and is broken into different categories for each of the two components. For example, it will ask how your disability affects your ability to:
- Perform daily tasks safely
- Complete them to an acceptable standard
- Repeat the tasks when needed
- Do them in a reasonable amount of time
Can I Still Be My Child’s Appointee?
Your child may want to manage their own money and benefits when they turn 16.
If you are already their appointee for DLA, this does not automatically stay in place when they move over to PIP. You must apply to continue being their appointee.
The process is the same if you are not the appointee but wish to be. You must also apply.
Ask for the appointee form when you call to apply for PIP if you have not already received this or visit the Government webpage to find out how to become an appointee. The DWP will arrange a support visit and interview you to make sure that an appointee is needed.
How Much Will They Get On PIP?
PIP, like DLA, has two parts and is paid every 4 weeks. The amount your child will receive depends on what level they are awarded.
- Daily Living – standard or enhanced rate
- Mobility – standard or enhanced rate
Their award depends entirely on the outcome of their PIP assessment, and is not based on their DLA history. Rates are reviewed every year.
What’s The Timeline For Transition And Payments?
Once your child’s PIP application is successful you will receive one final DLA payment.
The first PIP payment is made four weeks after thefinal DLA instalment.
If their claim is rejected, your DLA stops, and you will need to consider appealing the decision if appropriate.
What If Their PIP Application Is Refused
If the DWP denies your claim, you can:
- Request a mandatory reconsideration within one month
- If that fails, appeal to an independent tribunal
Many claimants successfully overturn initial decisions, so don’t give up if you believe the outcome is unfair. Our guide to appealing a PIP decision may be a useful guide to review if that happens.
What If You Don’t Apply Within 28 Days?
If you didn’t start your child’s claim for PIP within 28 days, your DLA payments will stop.
The DWP will contact you again, giving you another 28 days during which you can apply for PIP. If you make an application during this second 28 day window, then your DLA payments will restart. They’ll carry on until a decision is made about your PIP claim.
If you don’t make a claim for PIP before this final deadline, your DLA claim will be closed.
What Happens If You Currently Get Motability
Your child’s mobility will be reassessed when you move to PIP. They will only qualify for the Motability Scheme if they are given the higher rate for mobility (known as the ‘enhanced rate’).
This rate is harder to get on PIP, which means you might not be able to keep your vehicle.
If you don’t get the enhanced rate, you’ll have to return your vehicle.
Top Tips For A Smooth Transition From DLA To PIP
- Start early – begin your PIP application as soon as you receive the letter
- Be honest and detailed – describe real-life scenarios on your worst days
- Get help – organisations like Scope, Citizens Advice and Turn2Us can help with your claim
- Keep records – store copies of everything you submit
- Use assessment descriptors – focus on how tasks affect your daily life, not just the diagnosis
What’s Changing In The Future?
The government is reviewing how PIP is awarded. By November 2026, proposed reforms may change eligibility rules, especially for daily living components. If you are considering or beginning your transition from DLA to PIP, apply under current rules while they still apply. We will keep you updated on changes when they happen.
Final Thought
You are not alone in this transition. Thousands of people move from DLA to PIP each year, and there’s expert support available every step of the way. The PIP application may seem complex, but with preparation and the right help, your child can claim the support they deserve.
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows how it feels to lose independence due to a disability. She is passionate about holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Her goal is to make Purpl an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, advice, and financial relief.
Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.
Follow @Purpldiscounts for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
Related Articles
How to Apply for PIP and Maximise the Benefits in the UK
Motability in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
What to Say on Your PIP Form (And What Not to)
How to Challenge a PIP Decision in the UK: What to Do If Your Claim Is Refused or Underpaid
