My teenager turns 16 in Feb and i've been thinking about applying for DLA for them.
If I apply now will they reject it and say to wait for PIP? Is it better to wait until they're 16 and apply for PIP?
Hi @samcorr, it may be worth holding off until February if you can manage it. PIP is more likely to be a longer term benefit for them if they need it, seeing as they're so close to turning 16. Have you or any family members been through the PIP process before?
There's some helpful tips on applying here in case that's useful for preparing: Completing your PIP claim form | Disability charity Scope UK
If your child might need help managing their claim, you might also like to look into becoming their appointee: Become an appointee for someone claiming benefits.
This would mean that you would manage their claim on their behalf. If they wish to take it over later in life, they can then remove you as their appointee whenever they feel ready.
I hope @Rosie_Scope won't mind me politely disagreeing with her. It would definitely be easier to wait until February for PIP because otherwise you are doing the forms for DLA now, and then in February you will be sent different forms for PIP and may not yet have the outcome from your DLA claim, which can be complicated when finally awarded, especially if you receive a PIP outcome while still waiting for a DLA decision. But the down side if you may miss out on a couple of months worth of money your child is entitled to.
If you applied for DLA now, they would not reject it on the basis that your child turns 16 in a couple of months. If they were awarded you would continue to be paid the DLA up to the date a decision is made on PIP.
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