Disability Price Tag - Changing from DLA to PIP at 16 - For Parents and Carers

Mary_Scope

As we're focusing on the disability price tag of raising a disabled child this week, this post talks about the transition from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). I know this change can be quite overwhelming for many parents so I've created this post to hopefully make the process a feel a bit less intimidating!

DLA to PIP Change at 16

If your child gets DLA, they will move to PIP when they are 16.

Shortly after your child’s 16th birthday, the DWP will send a letter asking them to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by a certain date.

The pip application process for 16 year olds is the same as the application process for adults. To apply, you or your child must call to start the PIP claim
and complete and return the form within 28 days of calling.

They may need to have an assessment if more information is needed.

You will continue receiving your child’s DLA payments until a decision is made about their PIP claim.

Their DLA payments will stop if you don’t apply by the date in the letter.

Being Your Child’s Appointee
Your child may want to control their own money and benefits when they turn 16.

If you're already managing your child's DLA payments as their appointee then you need to reapply to become their appointee for PIP as this doesn't happen automatically.

The process is the same if you are not the appointee but wish to be you then you must also apply.

You can do this by asking for the appointee form when you or your child calls to apply for pip if you haven't already received it.

PIP Form Preparation
PIP has a daily living component and a mobility component. The rate your child receives for each component (standard or enhanced) is depends on the number of points they earn on the activities.

Your child will be assessed on their ability to do certain tasks reliably.

The DWP defines this as doing the task..
• safely
• to an acceptable standard
• repeatedly
• within a reasonable time

The DWP needs to know..
• any additional needs at school, in the home or when out
• extra help needed with dressing, washing, eating, communicating and moving about
• any personal budget or EHCP(England) or IDP (Wales)

PIP Assessments
Your child will have an assessment once the DWP has looked at your form.

This is usually in person at an assessment centre but assessments can be a phone call or home visit.

The DWP will consider a paper based assessment of your claim if you have provided enough supporting evidence.

This means you or your child will not have to meet the assessment provider’s health professional in person.

Have you been through the DLA to PIP transition with your child? How did you find it? What words of wisdom would you like to pass on?

Rubywoo18

ThThank you for the tips. My eldest turned 16 yesterday he's due to transfer to pip.I'm not looking forward to the process but find info like yours really helpful and helps me to feel a little more prepared.

Rubywoo18

Also .....just want to say thank you to scope for the electric throw. So cozy.... my son has sensory se sensitivities and loves a good soft blanket, the throw he really likes it and says it comforts him.

Mary_Scope

It is not a problem @Rubywoo18, I'm glad this post has made you feel a bit better! Good luck with the pip form, if you would like any more information, advice or support over it please reach out😀

Also, it's lovely to know your son likes the blanket! I'll past that on to the team😀

anisty

My son did go through this transition when he was 21yrs old (he was on DLA til 21 due to a slow roll-out of p.i.p in my area.

I have to say i was amazed at how smoothly and easily it went for us. He had always been middle rate care DLA.

He got a paper based award on pip double enhanced.

One thing i would say for anyone transferring - the pip assessors don't have access to dla info so you must go in as if they know nothing and provide all info.

Also - in my son's case, as ADOS autism assessment report and a clinical psychologist's report on cognitive testing NINE years old were taken into account!

So where your child has had reports done ages ago that are still relevant, do submit.

The pip assessor did contact my son's GP and also his support workers to verify info. But, very easy!

Mary_Scope

Hi @anisty

Thank you for sharing your sons experience and giving some very useful tips! It is so nice to hear that it was a smooth transition for him and just an overall positive experience😀

Rubywoo18

Hello, was just wondering when transitioning from DLA to pip roughly how long does a decision take to come through.

Thanks 😊

Mary_Scope

Hi @Rubywoo18

It's usually around 14 weeks😄

Rubywoo18

Thank you Mary_scope. 😀I might do an MR for the little ones DLA , do you know how long after a decision is reached I have to ask for a mandatory reconsideration. 😊 he got higher rate before now middle rate care component. I'm a bit worried they will put his money down if I do go a head with an MR.

Mary_Scope

Hi again @Rubywoo18

Not a problem!

You can apply for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your DLA decision letter. Ah unfortunately that can sometimes happen with a mandatory reconsideration as they look at the entire award.