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How-to · Step-by-step

How to claim PIP at 16 (moving from DLA)

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In short. Wait for the DWP invitation after the 16th birthday, start the PIP claim by the date on the letter, complete How your disability affects you, and keep DLA in payment until the PIP decision if you claimed on time.

Scotland uses Adult Disability Payment, not PIP. This is not a DWP form. Child autism benefits stay on the under-16 guide.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 2 hours·Cost: £0 to claim

What you'll need

  • The invitation letter and National Insurance number
  • Bank details in the young person’s name unless you are the appointee
  • DLA award letter and a diary of a typical hard week
  • School, college or clinic letters if you have them

The steps

  1. 01

    Do not ignore the invitation

    DWP writes shortly after the 16th birthday. Start the claim by the date in the letter. Official: www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/when-your-child-turns-16

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Decide appointee or self-claim

    If the young person cannot manage benefits, apply to be a DWP appointee before or when you call. That is not a Court of Protection deputyship.

    Official link →

  3. 03

    Start the PIP claim

    Use the number on the letter or 0800 917 2222. That call date is usually the claim date. If you live in Scotland, stop and claim Adult Disability Payment instead.

    Official link →

  4. 04

    Complete the questionnaire for an adult test

    PIP descriptors are not DLA care and mobility copied over. Write timed examples for college, travel and personal care. Hub: PIP at 16. Rates: PIP explained.

  5. 05

    If you missed the date

    DLA will stop. DWP usually sends a second 28-day window. Claim inside that window so DLA can restart until the PIP decision. Then use mandatory reconsideration if the PIP award is wrong.

    Official link →

Common pitfalls

  • Starting a PIP claim from Scotland
  • Assuming the DLA amount continues automatically
  • Letting Carer's Allowance drop because nobody started PIP on time

FAQ

Can we keep Motability?
Only if the PIP mobility award still qualifies. A gap or a lower award can end the lease. Read the Motability letters as soon as they arrive.
Is this the same as claiming PIP as an adult?
The form and assessment are the same. The DLA invitation and the deadline to protect DLA are what make age 16 different.
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