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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
5 min read
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.
First, let’s break down the difference between DLA and PIP:
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.
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.
To move from DLA to PIP, your child will need to go through the following steps:
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:
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.
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.
Their award depends entirely on the outcome of their PIP assessment, and is not based on their DLA history. Rates are reviewed every year.
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.
If the DWP denies your claim, you can:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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