The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sends a letter to families when their child turns 16, inviting them to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Missing the deadline in this letter can stop Disability Living Allowance (DLA) payments, which can be worth up to £194.60 a week.
When the letter arrives
The invitation to apply for PIP is sent to families claiming DLA for their child when the child turns 16, or when they leave hospital if they were in hospital on their 16th birthday. It is also sent about 20 weeks before the DLA award ends for those awarded under special rules for people with a life expectancy of 12 months or less.
Official government guidance states: “Your child’s DLA payments will stop unless they apply for PIP by the date given in the letter. If they apply by the date given in the letter, they’ll continue to receive DLA until their claim is assessed.”
Act quickly to avoid a pause
Citizens Advice recommends starting a PIP claim within four weeks of receiving the letter and calling the PIP Enquiry line as soon as possible if more time is needed, as the DWP may grant an extension.
The charity warns: “If you don’t claim PIP within 4 weeks of the letter, the DWP will pause your DLA claim and stop your payments. If you claim PIP in the 4 weeks after your DLA was paused, the DWP will pay you the DLA you would have got if they didn’t pause it. If it’s been more than 4 weeks since your DLA was paused, you can still claim PIP but you won’t be paid the DLA you would have got.”
Application and appointee rules
The PIP application process for 16-year-olds is the same as for adults. It begins with calling the PIP new claims phone line to answer basic questions, then completing a form and possibly having an assessment if deemed necessary.
Someone can help with the claim, including friends, family, or a home visit from a DWP officer. The DWP recommends asking an advisor about this when calling the PIP new claims line. Scope notes that being a child’s appointee for DLA does not automatically carry over to PIP. It adds: “Ask for the appointee form when you call to apply for PIP if you have not already received this. The DWP will arrange a support visit and interview you to make sure that an appointee is needed.”
Impact on Motability vehicles
Many DLA claimants go on to qualify for PIP, but this is not guaranteed. If the DWP decides the teen is not eligible, DLA payments stop, but the decision can be challenged.
The mobility element of DLA is reassessed when moving to PIP. Families with a Motability vehicle through DLA may lose it if the teen does not qualify for the higher rate of PIP. Citizens Advice adds: “This rate is harder to get on PIP, which means you might not be able to keep your vehicle. If you don’t get the enhanced rate, you’ll have to return your vehicle.”
