What is the difference between PIP and DLA UK?

PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is for adults aged 16-State Pension age, while DLA (Disability Living Allowance) is now only for children under 16. PIP has two components assessed on points, while DLA has three rates for care and two for mobility. Adults who were on DLA have mostly moved to PIP.

Is PIP more or less than DLA UK?

It depends on your circumstances. PIP enhanced rates (£108.55 daily living, £75.75 mobility weekly) can be higher than equivalent DLA rates. However, some people found they got less when moving from DLA to PIP because the assessment criteria differ. Others got more. Each case is individual.

Will my child move from DLA to PIP automatically?

Yes — when your child turns 16, DWP will invite them to claim PIP. This isn't automatic continuation — they must complete a PIP application and undergo assessment. The criteria are different, so the outcome may differ from their DLA award. Apply promptly to avoid gaps in payment.

Can adults still claim DLA?

No — DLA closed to new adult claims in 2013. Adults with disabilities must claim PIP instead. The only adults still receiving DLA are those receiving it before State Pension age who have now passed that age, and they can choose to stay on DLA or move to PIP.

PIP vs DLA UK — Key Differences Between Disability Benefits Explained | PocketWise

PIP vs DLA UK — Key Differences Between Disability Benefits Explained

Compare Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Who can claim each, payment rates, assessment process, and what happens when you transition from DLA to PIP.

By PocketWise · 29 March 2026 · 6 min read

PIP and DLA are both disability benefits, but they’re for different age groups and have different rules. Here’s how they compare.

Quick Overview

Feature	PIP	DLA
Full name	Personal Independence Payment	Disability Living Allowance
Age group	16 to State Pension age	Under 16 (children)
Components	2 (daily living, mobility)	2 (care, mobility)
Rates	2 per component	3 care rates, 2 mobility rates
Assessment	Points-based	Descriptors/criteria
Reviews	Regular reassessments	Less frequent (for children)
New claims	Yes	Children only

Who Can Claim What

PIP Eligibility

Requirement	Detail
Age	16 to State Pension age
Residency	Living in England, Wales, or Scotland
Condition	Physical or mental health condition
Duration	Condition has lasted or will last 9+ months
Impact	Difficulty with daily living or mobility

DLA Eligibility (Children)

Requirement	Detail
Age	Under 16
Residency	Living in UK
Condition	Physical or mental disability
Duration	Likely to last at least 12 months
Care needs	More help than child without disability
Mobility	For ages 5+ with walking difficulties

Payment Rates 2026/27

PIP Rates

Component	Rate	Weekly Amount
Daily Living	Standard	£72.65
Daily Living	Enhanced	£108.55
Mobility	Standard	£28.70
Mobility	Enhanced	£75.75

Maximum PIP: £184.30/week (both enhanced rates)

DLA Rates (Children)

Component	Rate	Weekly Amount
Care	Lowest	£28.70
Care	Middle	£72.65
Care	Highest	£108.55
Mobility	Lower	£28.70
Mobility	Higher	£75.75

Maximum DLA: £184.30/week (highest care + higher mobility)

Rate Comparison Table

Need Level	DLA Rate	PIP Rate	Same?
Lower care/daily living	£28.70	£72.65	No — PIP higher
Medium care/daily living	£72.65	£72.65	Yes
Higher care/daily living	£108.55	£108.55	Yes
Lower mobility	£28.70	£28.70	Yes
Higher mobility	£75.75	£75.75	Yes

Key difference: DLA has three care rates; PIP has only two daily living rates.

Assessment Differences

PIP Assessment

Element	Detail
Application form	PIP2 questionnaire
Evidence	Medical evidence, supporting letters
Assessment	Usually face-to-face or telephone
Assessor	Healthcare professional
Decision based on	Points scored across activities

PIP Points System

Points Needed	Award
0-7 points	No award
8-11 points	Standard rate
12+ points	Enhanced rate

Assessed separately for daily living and mobility.

DLA Assessment (Children)

Element	Detail
Application form	DLA child claim form
Evidence	Medical evidence, professional letters
Assessment	Usually paper-based (no face-to-face)
Decision based on	Descriptors of care/mobility needs
Comparison	Needs compared to child without disability

What’s Assessed

PIP Daily Living Activities

Activity	Examples
Preparing food	Cooking, preparing simple meals
Eating and drinking	Taking nutrition
Managing treatments	Medication, therapy
Washing and bathing	Personal hygiene
Managing toilet needs	Using the toilet
Dressing and undressing	Getting dressed
Communicating	Reading, understanding, expressing
Reading and understanding	Written information
Mixing with others	Social interaction
Managing money	Budgeting, paying bills

PIP Mobility Activities

Activity	Examples
Planning and following journeys	Navigation, unfamiliar routes
Moving around	Walking, moving outdoors

DLA Care Component

Rate	Criteria
Lowest	Needs help for part of day with personal care
Middle	Frequent help day OR night supervision
Highest	Day AND night care needs

DLA Mobility Component

Rate	Criteria
Lower	Can walk but needs guidance/supervision outdoors
Higher	Can’t walk or virtually unable to walk

Transitioning from DLA to PIP

When It Happens

Trigger	Action
Child turns 16	DWP invites PIP claim
Award runs out	Must reapply for PIP
Prompted by DWP	For remaining adult DLA claimants

The Process

Step	Detail
1	Receive invitation letter at 15.5-16 years
2	Complete PIP2 form within 1 month
3	Attend assessment (usually required)
4	Decision made
5	DLA stops, PIP starts (if awarded)

What to Expect

Scenario	Outcome
May get more	PIP rates can be higher
May get less	Different assessment criteria
May get same	Similar circumstances
May get nothing	If don’t meet PIP criteria

Protecting Your DLA

Tip	Why
Apply for PIP promptly	DLA continues until PIP decided
Gather evidence	More is better
Be detailed in form	Don’t assume they know
Request reconsideration	If refused or lower than expected
Appeal if needed	Many decisions overturned on appeal

Key Differences Explained

Assessment Style

DLA	PIP
Mainly paper-based	Usually face-to-face assessment
Descriptive criteria	Points-based scoring
Compare to typical child	Focus on what you can/can’t do
Less frequent reviews	Regular reviews (typically 2-5 years)

Qualifying Conditions

DLA	PIP
In UK for 2 of last 3 years	2 of last 3 years AND present on claim date
Condition 3 months + 9 months ahead	3 months + 9 months (same)
Special rules for terminal illness	Special rules for terminal illness

How Needs Are Described

DLA Focuses On	PIP Focuses On
Amount of care needed	Activities you struggle with
Day/night care needs	Daily living and mobility
Supervision requirements	Safety and reliability
Guidance outdoors	Journey planning and moving

Extra Benefits from PIP/DLA

Passported Benefits

If You Get	You May Also Get
PIP daily living (either rate)	Carer’s Allowance (for carer)
PIP enhanced mobility	Motability scheme
PIP enhanced mobility	Blue Badge
DLA higher mobility	Motability scheme
DLA higher mobility	Blue Badge
Any PIP/DLA	Vehicle tax exemption
Any PIP/DLA	Disability premium on UC/legacy benefits

Impact on Other Benefits

Benefit	How PIP/DLA Helps
Universal Credit	Limited capability for work element
Tax Credits	Disability element
Council Tax	May qualify for reduction
Housing Benefit	Higher allowances

Reviews and Reassessments

PIP Reviews

Review Type	When
Light touch	Every 10 years (stable conditions)
Standard	Every 2-5 years
Short term	1-2 years (conditions may improve)
Award review	If circumstances change

DLA Reviews (Children)

Review Type	When
Award end	Usually longer awards (until 16)
Change of circumstances	If condition changes
Automatic transition	At age 16

Making a Claim

How to Claim PIP

Step	Action
1	Call PIP claim line: 0800 917 2222
2	Complete initial phone call
3	Receive PIP2 form by post
4	Complete and return within 1 month
5	Attend assessment if required
6	Receive decision

How to Claim DLA (Children)

Step	Action
1	Download form or call 0800 121 4600
2	Complete claim form
3	Include medical evidence
4	Post completed form
5	Decision made (usually paper-based)

Tips for Both Claims

Filling in Forms

Tip	Why
Describe bad days	Focus on worst days, not best
Be specific	Not “struggle with cooking” but “cannot safely use cooker, burned self twice”
Explain variability	If condition fluctuates, explain both extremes
Include all conditions	Mental and physical
Use professional reports	Attach evidence

Getting Help

Organisation	What They Offer
Citizens Advice	Free form-filling help
Disability Rights UK	Guides and factsheets
Scope	Helpline and advice
Turn2Us	Benefits calculator
Local welfare rights	In-person support

Challenging Decisions

Mandatory Reconsideration

Action	Timeline
Request reconsideration	Within 1 month of decision
DWP reviews	Same or different decision maker
New evidence	Submit additional evidence
Response	Usually 2-4 weeks

Appeal to Tribunal

Action	Timeline
Submit appeal	Within 1 month of reconsideration
Independent tribunal	Not DWP
Success rates	~70% of PIP appeals succeed
Attend hearing	Usually improves chances

Summary Comparison

Factor	DLA	PIP
Age	Under 16	16 to State Pension age
Still available	Yes (children only)	Yes
Assessment	Paper-based	Face-to-face
Care/Daily Living rates	3 rates	2 rates
Mobility rates	2 rates	2 rates
Maximum weekly	£184.30	£184.30
Reviews	Less frequent	Regular
Success on appeal	N/A	~70%