When your child turns 16: moving from DLA to PIP

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DLA for children does not carry on into adulthood. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, your child has to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after they turn 16, and if they miss the date in the letter, DLA stops. Here is what happens, when, and how to get ready.

By the Disability Expert team. Last checked 12 November 2026.

The short version

Your child gets a letter inviting them to claim PIP shortly after their 16th birthday.
If they claim by the date in the letter, DLA carries on until the PIP claim is assessed. If they do not, DLA stops.
If your child cannot manage their own benefits, you can ask to become their appointee by calling the PIP enquiry line.
In Scotland it works differently: Child Disability Payment can carry on until 18, and the young person can choose when to apply for Adult Disability Payment.

When the letter arrives

GOV.UK says your child will get a letter inviting them to apply for PIP. It is usually sent shortly after their 16th birthday. If they were in hospital on their birthday, it comes when they leave hospital. If they got DLA under the special rules for people who might have 12 months or less to live, it comes about 20 weeks before their DLA award ends.

The letter gives a date. GOV.UK is clear that DLA payments stop unless your child applies for PIP by that date. If they apply in time, they keep getting DLA until the PIP claim is assessed, so there is no gap while you wait. Put the date somewhere you will see it.

How to claim PIP

In England and Wales, the claim usually starts with a call to the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm). You can also start by post by writing to Freepost DWP PIP 1 with your child’s name and address. In Northern Ireland, follow the instructions in the letter or on nidirect.

After the first call, your child gets a form called ‘How your disability affects you’. GOV.UK says to return it within 1 month, and to call the PIP enquiry line if you need more time. You can be added to the call, or call on your child’s behalf as long as they are with you.

PIP is not DLA with a new name. It has its own points-based test, so the result can be different from your child’s DLA award, higher or lower. Our PIP page has the 2026 to 2027 rates.

Have your child’s National Insurance number ready, plus their bank details and their GP’s name, address and phone number.
Gather evidence before the letter comes: prescription lists, care plans, an EHCP or school reports, and letters from doctors, therapists or social workers.
Describe a bad day as well as a typical one. Say what help your child needs, how often, and what happens without it.
Your child’s PIP will usually be paid into their own account, so GOV.UK says they should contact DLA to change the payment details.

If your child cannot manage their own benefits

If your child is severely disabled and cannot manage their own benefits, you may be able to manage them on their behalf once they turn 16. This is called being an appointee. For a PIP claim, contact the PIP enquiry line at the Disability Service Centre.

GOV.UK says DWP usually visits your child to check whether an appointee is needed, and interviews you. You are not the appointee until DWP sends you form BF57. As an appointee you make and keep up the claim, report changes, and spend the money in your child’s best interests. Only 1 appointee can act for someone with DWP. You can still help your child with their claim without becoming an appointee.

What it can change for you as a carer

Lots of family help is linked to the child’s award, so the PIP decision can matter for you too:

Carer’s Allowance: with DLA, it needs the middle or highest care rate. With PIP, the daily living part at either rate qualifies. A PIP award with only the mobility part does not.
Motability: needs the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility part. The standard rate does not qualify.
Blue Badge: in England, PIP only gives an automatic badge with certain points scores, such as 8 or more for ‘moving around’. Otherwise the council assesses your child.
The Universal Credit disabled child addition is for children, so check what changes as your child gets older.

If you disagree with the PIP decision

Your child can ask DWP to look at the decision again. This is called mandatory reconsideration, and GOV.UK says you usually need to ask within one month of the date on the decision letter. After that, if they are still unhappy, they can appeal to a tribunal.

Free help is available. Try Citizens Advice in England and Wales, Advice NI in Northern Ireland, or Contact for families with disabled children.

Scotland: Child Disability Payment to Adult Disability Payment

In Scotland, mygov.scot says Social Security Scotland pays Child Disability Payment until the young person is 18. When the child turns 16, Social Security Scotland writes to the parent, guardian or appointee to ask whether the young person can manage their own payments. If they cannot, Social Security Scotland can name someone to manage them.

The young person can apply for Adult Disability Payment from 13 weeks before they turn 16. Between 16 and 18, they can choose to stay on Child Disability Payment until 18, or apply for Adult Disability Payment before then. If the application succeeds, Child Disability Payment stops and Adult Disability Payment starts. mygov.scot warns they may lose some other benefits or services, so get advice first from Citizens Advice Scotland or your council’s advice service.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — A tax-free benefit to help with extra costs of a long-term disability or health condition, paid at daily living and mobility rates.
Disability Living Allowance for children — A tax-free benefit for children under 16 who need extra care or have mobility needs.
Child Disability Payment — Scotland’s replacement for DLA for children, with care and mobility components.
Adult Disability Payment — Scotland’s replacement for PIP: a tax-free payment for daily living and mobility costs.
Carer's Allowance — A weekly payment if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get a qualifying disability benefit.
Motability Scheme — Lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter using a qualifying higher-rate mobility payment.

Organisations that can help

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National charity supporting families with disabled children and young people, including a free helpline and information on benefits, education and care.