When will I move from DLA to PIP?

Most adults on DLA have already moved to PIP. If you were born after 8 April 1948, DWP writes to tell you your DLA is ending and invites you to claim PIP, which you must do within 28 days. Nothing changes automatically. Your DLA continues until at least 28 days after the PIP decision.

Can I stay on DLA instead of PIP?

Only if you were born on or before 8 April 1948: then you keep DLA for as long as you are eligible. If you were born after 8 April 1948, your DLA will end and you are invited to claim PIP. Children under 16 stay on DLA.

Will I get more or less on PIP than DLA?

Varies by individual. PIP assessment is different — focuses on 10 daily living and 2 mobility activities. Some get more (if needs weren't properly reflected in DLA). Some get less or nothing. PIP rates are similar to DLA but assessment criteria differ significantly.

What if my PIP claim is rejected after DLA?

You have the right to challenge it. DLA stops at least 28 days after the PIP decision. Request mandatory reconsideration within 1 month, then tribunal if still rejected. Seek advice — success rates at tribunal are high. Citizens Advice and welfare rights can help.

DLA to PIP: How the Move Works and How PIP Differs from DLA

If you are 16 or over and get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you will be asked to claim PIP instead. This guide explains how the move works, how PIP differs from DLA, and how to prepare.

Understanding the Transition

Why the Change

DLA (Old System)	PIP (Current System)
Based on medical evidence	Assessment of daily living
Largely self-reported	Face-to-face or phone assessment
Three care rates	Two components
Two mobility rates	Two rates each

Who Has to Transfer

Situation	What Happens
Born after 8 April 1948	DLA ends; you are invited to claim PIP
Born on or before 8 April 1948	Keeps DLA while eligible
Child DLA	Invited to claim PIP around age 16

The Transfer Process

How It Happens

Stage	What Happens
1	DWP sends letter inviting PIP claim
2	28 days to claim PIP
3	Complete PIP claim form
4	Assessment (phone/face-to-face)
5	Decision letter
6	DLA stops at least 28 days after the PIP decision

Timeline

Step	Timescale
Letter to deadline	28 days to claim
Form to assessment	Several weeks
DLA continues until	At least 28 days after the PIP decision

PIP vs DLA Rates (2026/27)

Comparison

DLA and PIP use the same weekly rates for equivalent tiers. Figures below are for 2026/27.

DLA Care Component	Weekly Rate
Lowest	£30.30
Middle	£76.70
Highest	£114.60

DLA Mobility Component	Weekly Rate
Lower	£30.30
Higher	£80.00

PIP Daily Living	Weekly Rate
Standard	£76.70
Enhanced	£114.60

PIP Mobility	Weekly Rate
Standard	£30.30
Enhanced	£80.00

Key Difference

DLA	PIP
3 care rates	2 daily living rates
Some lose middle	That “middle” level gone
Descriptive care and mobility tests	Points for specific descriptors

PIP Assessment Criteria

Daily Living Activities

Activity	Points Available
Preparing food	0-8
Taking nutrition	0-10
Managing therapy	0-8
Washing and bathing	0-8
Using toilet	0-8
Dressing/undressing	0-8
Communicating	0-12
Reading	0-8
Engaging with others	0-8
Budgeting	0-6

Mobility Activities

Activity	Points Available
Planning/following journey	0-12
Moving around	0-12

Points Needed

Points	Award
8-11 Daily Living	Standard Daily Living
12+ Daily Living	Enhanced Daily Living
8-11 Mobility	Standard Mobility
12+ Mobility	Enhanced Mobility

Preparing for Assessment

Gathering Evidence

Evidence Type	Examples
Medical records	GP notes, consultants
Care records	Carers’ logs
Professional letters	OT, physiotherapy etc
Your diary	Daily difficulties

What to Include in Claim

Include	Why
Worst days	Not best days
All conditions	Every health issue
All medications	Side effects too
Support needed	Even if not getting it

Descriptors to Cover

Think About	Examples
Prompting needed	Reminders to do things
Time taken	Longer than normal
Pain/fatigue after	Affects you
Safety	Risk if done alone
Variability	Good and bad days

The Assessment

What to Expect

Aspect	Detail
Format	Phone, video, at an assessment centre or at home
Duration	Usually about an hour
Questions	About daily life
Observation	Assessor notes appearance/movement

Tips for Assessment

Do	Don’t
Be honest	Minimise difficulties
Describe worst days	Say “I manage”
Give examples	Be vague
Say if unsure	Guess
Ask for breaks	Push through exhaustion

Companion

You Can
Bring someone	For support
They can prompt	You to remember
Take notes	Of what’s asked
Ask for it	To be recorded

After the Decision

If You Get PIP

Situation	What Happens
PIP awarded	DLA stops 28 days after
Similar or more	Great outcome
Less than DLA	Consider challenging

If PIP Rejected

Step	Deadline
Mandatory Reconsideration	Within 1 month
MR response	Varies
Tribunal appeal	Within 1 month of MR
Tribunal hearing	Several months wait

Success Rates

Stage	Success Rate
Tribunal	About two-thirds of PIP appeals decided at a hearing succeed
Worth appealing	If genuine need

Protecting Your Income

During Transition

Protection	Period
DLA continues	Until PIP decided
28-day overlap	After PIP decision
No gap	If timed right

If Losing Benefit

Check	Entitlement
Council Tax Support	May be affected, if your council scheme gave extra for disability
Carers benefits	Your carer may be affected
Blue Badge	Separate application

Key Differences Explained

Assessment Style

DLA	PIP
Mainly paper-based	Usually an assessment by phone, video or in person
Descriptive criteria	Points-based scoring
Compare to typical child	Focus on what you can/can’t do
Often long or indefinite awards	Awards from 9 months to 10 years, then a review

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

Getting Help

Free Advice

Organisation	Service
Citizens Advice	Full support available
Disability Rights UK	Specialist advice
Welfare Rights	Through council
DIAL	Disability advice

Help with Form

Who	Service
Citizens Advice	Form filling help
Local welfare rights	Appointments
Disability charities	Condition-specific

Tribunal Representation

Provider	Support
Citizens Advice	Can attend tribunal
Welfare rights	Representation
Some charities	Condition-specific support

Special Situations

Child to Adult

At Age 16
DWP writes	Shortly before you turn 16, inviting a PIP claim
DLA continues	Until the PIP decision (if you claim on time)
Different assessment	Adult criteria
Appointee	A parent can act for a 16 or 17-year-old who can’t manage the claim

Terminal Illness

If Terminal
Special rules	Fast-track
SR1 form (previously DS1500)	From doctor
Quicker decision	No face-to-face assessment
Enhanced daily living	Automatically; mobility depends on needs

Summary

Key Points

Fact	Detail
Transfer compulsory	If born after 8 April 1948
DLA continues	Until PIP decided
Assessment	Point-based system
Appeal rights	Use them if needed

Preparation Checklist

Action	Done?
Gather medical evidence	☐
List all conditions	☐
Think about daily activities	☐
Describe worst days	☐
Get support for assessment	☐
Know appeal rights	☐

Timeline to Know

Event	Deadline
Invited to claim	28 days to apply
Assessment booked	Try to attend
Decision received	DLA continues at least 28 more days
Disagree	MR within 1 month
MR rejected	Tribunal within 1 month

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