What is a Personal Independence Payment?

Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working-age people (16–64). It is not a means-tested benefit: this means that a claimant’s income or savings are not taken into account. If you are working you can still apply.

The only remaining DLA awards will be for under 16s (child DLA) and anyone aged 65 or over.

Anyone currently claiming DLA will receive a letter at some point in the next two years, advising that their claim will be coming to an end and inviting them to claim the new PIP benefit.

What is the difference between PIP and DLA?

The key change is that PIPs will introduce a new assessment process which looks at the impact the condition has on a person’s everyday life, rather than the condition itself. There are two components: Daily Living and Mobility.

When being assessed for these components, you are given a score which determines if you qualify. For each component, you must score at least eight points to qualify. This will give you the standard rates. A score of 12 points or above entitles you to the     

The New Rates