Personal independence payment (PIP) is a new benefit introduced in June 2013, replacing disability living allowance (DLA) for working-age people (aged 16-64). 

Disability living allowance (DLA) will be phased out and replaced with personal independence payments for 16-64 year-olds.  DLA will continue to be paid for children up to 16 years of age and Attendance Allowance remains in place for people 65 years old and above. 

From June 2013, new claims for disability benefits will be for PIP and not for DLA. You will have to fill in an application form and you will probably have to attend a new medical assessment.  

From October 2013, if you are of working age and receiving disability living allowance and you report a change in your condition, you will have to apply for PIP instead. You will also have to apply for PIP if your benefit award is due to be renewed.  

Between January 2014 and March 2016, if you are still on DLA, you will be given the opportunity to apply for PIP. If you do not apply, your benefit payment will stop.

Further information on PIP is available on the Turn2us website.

You can find a DWP guide to PIP here.

What can you do? 

Seek advice before requesting a reassessment of your disability living allowance. For free advice call the GAIN Helpline on 0808 801 1011 Mon - Fri 9am – 8pm and Sat 10am - 2pm or contact a local advice agency.