U.K. Disability Living Allowance and PIP Benefits
Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 30 Jul 2026
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics
Synopsis
A guide to U.K. disability benefits, covering Disability Living Allowance, its move to Personal Independence Payment, eligibility, and how to claim.
At a Glance
- 1 - The Department for Work and Pensions is the largest government department in the United Kingdom and oversees benefits for sick and disabled people.
- 2 - DLA is tax free and paid directly into a bank, building society, or other account of your choice, and you can nominate someone else to collect it.
- 3 - People aged 65 or over may claim Attendance Allowance instead of DLA, while claimants usually do not need a medical examination.
- 4 - Special fast-track rules apply for people with a progressive disease who are not expected to live more than another six months, helping them receive benefit more quickly.
Topic Definition
- Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance, usually shortened to DLA, is a tax-free United Kingdom benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because of a physical or mental disability. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, it is aimed at people who claim before the age of 65 and whose condition is severe enough that they need help looking after themselves, have mobility problems, or both, while those aged 65 or over generally claim Attendance Allowance instead. For adults, DLA is being replaced by the Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, so existing claimants receive a letter explaining when their DLA claim will end and how to apply for the newer benefit. Claiming does not usually require a medical examination, payment goes directly into an account of the person's choice, and special rules speed up claims for those with a terminal progressive illness.
Overview
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the largest government department in the Government of the United Kingdom. DWP is responsible for a range of benefits and services for people who are sick or disabled, and their carers. The Office for Disability Issues is the focal point within government for coordinating the development and the delivery of services for disabled people.
The U.K. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people. DLA is a tax-free benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled. If you already get DLA, your claim might end. You'll get a letter telling you when this will happen and how you can apply for PIP.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) run a telephone helpline giving information on benefits for sick and disabled people, their representatives, and carers. This is called the Benefits Inquiry Line (BEL). In England, Wales, and Scotland, you can contact the Benefits Inquiry Line on: 0800 88 22 00 or Textphone: 0800 24 33 55.
The Disability and Carers Service is part of the Pension, Disability, and Carers Service (PDCS), an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). DWP delivers support and advice through a modern network of local offices throughout England, Scotland and Wales, as well as providing phone and internet-based services. Its services are aimed at people of working age, pensioners, families and children, disabled people and employers. With offices across the country, the service provides financial support for:
- Carer's Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Vaccine Damage Payments
You may get Disability Living Allowance if:
- you are under 65 when you claim.
- you have a physical or mental disability, or both.
- If you are aged 65 or over, you may be able to get Attendance Allowance.
- your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself, or you have walking difficulties, or both.
You will not usually need a medical examination when you claim for Disability Living Allowance. If you have a progressive disease, and you are not expected to live for more than another six months, there are special rules for claiming to make sure you get your benefit more quickly and easily.
Disability Living Allowance is normally paid directly into any account of your choice which accepts Direct Payment of benefits. This might be a bank, building society or other account provider. You may be able to get someone else to collect your Disability Living Allowance if you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DLA and PIP?
DLA is the older benefit being phased out for working age adults, while PIP is its replacement that uses a points based assessment of how a condition affects daily living and mobility.
Can children still claim Disability Living Allowance?
DLA for children remains available for those under 16 who need extra care or have mobility difficulties, and it is claimed on their behalf by a parent or guardian.
How is a PIP assessment carried out?
A PIP assessment usually involves a health professional reviewing your questionnaire and supporting evidence, often followed by a consultation, to score how your condition affects everyday tasks.
Can I work while receiving DLA or PIP?
Yes, both DLA and PIP are based on how your condition affects you rather than your income, so you can usually work and still receive the benefit.
What can I do if my PIP or DLA claim is refused?
You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration of the decision, and if you still disagree you can appeal to an independent tribunal for a further review.
Does receiving DLA or PIP affect other benefits?
These benefits are not means tested and often do not reduce other support, and in some cases they can qualify you for extra premiums on other benefits.
How long does it take to get a decision on a claim?
Processing times vary, but PIP claims commonly take a number of weeks to a few months, particularly when an assessment consultation is required.
Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team.
Last updated: