What is the difference between PIP and Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

ByThiago SF

In the United Kingdom, disability-related benefits have undergone significant reforms over the last decade. Two of the most important programs in this area are Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

While both are designed to provide financial support for people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities, they differ in eligibility, assessment, structure, and long-term policy goals.

Understanding the differences between these benefits is key for those who are transitioning from DLA to PIP or are considering making a new claim.

Why PIP replaced DLA

The DLA was introduced in 1992 as a benefit to help people with the extra costs of disability. Over time, the government sought to reform the system, arguing that DLA did not always reflect modern approaches to disability support and assessment.

PIP was introduced in 2013 with the goal of creating a more consistent, transparent, and functional system. It uses a points-based assessment to evaluate how a person’s condition affects their ability to carry out daily living activities and mobility, rather than focusing only on diagnosis.

This makes PIP the long-term replacement for most adult DLA claimants.

Eligibility and new claims

One of the clearest differences between PIP and DLA is who can apply:

  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA): New claims are only available for children under 16. Adults can no longer make a new claim for DLA.
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP): All adults aged 16 to State Pension age who need support due to a disability or long-term health condition must apply for PIP instead.

When a young person on DLA turns 16, they are usually invited to apply for PIP, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Components and payment levels

Although both benefits have two main elements, the structure and payment levels differ:

  • DLA had a care component (with three rates: lower, middle, and higher) and a mobility component (with two rates: lower and higher).
  • PIP has two components:
    • Daily Living (standard and enhanced rates)
    • Mobility (standard and enhanced rates)

The shift to PIP simplifies the structure into two clear components, but the introduction of “standard” and “enhanced” rates reflects a stronger link to the assessed impact on daily life and mobility.

Assessment and evidence criteria

Perhaps the biggest practical difference between DLA and PIP lies in the assessment process.

  • Under DLA, many claims were decided based on medical evidence and self-assessment forms. A face-to-face assessment was not always required.
  • Under PIP, almost all claimants undergo a functional assessment, usually carried out by a health professional contracted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). These assessments may happen in person, by phone, or by video.

The PIP system scores claimants against a list of descriptors, covering activities such as preparing food, managing treatments, moving around, and communicating. Each activity is scored with points, and the total determines the award.

Transition from DLA to PIP

When PIP was rolled out, existing adult claimants of DLA were gradually contacted by the DWP to transition to PIP.
The process typically works as follows:

  • The DWP sends a letter inviting the person to claim PIP.
  • The claimant has 28 days to respond.
  • If they apply, they undergo the PIP assessment process.
  • If they do not apply, their DLA payments stop.

This process ensures that all working-age adults eventually move to PIP, though some exceptions apply.

Exceptions and legacy DLA cases

Not everyone has to move from DLA to PIP. People who were born on or before 8 April 1948 and who already receive DLA are allowed to continue receiving it.

Additionally, DLA continues for children under 16, and once they reach 16, they are normally invited to move to PIP.
This means that while PIP is now the main benefit for adults, DLA still exists in two limited cases: for children and for older adults born before a cut-off date.

Comparison summary

In summary, the main differences are:

  • Age eligibility: DLA for children under 16, PIP for adults 16 to State Pension age.
  • Components: DLA has care (3 rates) and mobility (2 rates); PIP has daily living and mobility (standard/enhanced).
  • Assessment: PIP requires functional assessments and a points-based system; DLA relied more on medical evidence.
  • Reviews: PIP is time-limited and regularly reviewed; DLA was often indefinite.
  • Transition: DLA adults are being moved to PIP unless exempt.

FAQ

What is the purpose of PIP compared to DLA?
PIP was introduced to modernize disability benefits, focusing on how conditions affect daily living and mobility rather than just medical diagnoses.

Can adults still apply for DLA?
No, new DLA claims are not available for adults. Adults must apply for PIP.

Do children still get DLA?
Yes. DLA is still available for children under 16 with disabilities.

Will people on DLA automatically get PIP?
No. Those on DLA are invited to apply for PIP, and their eligibility is reassessed under the PIP framework.

Are PIP payments higher than DLA?
Not necessarily. PIP payments depend on assessed needs. Some people may receive more, some less, depending on their score.

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