UK Disability Benefits: DLA, PIP and Attendance Allowance
Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2 Nov 2026
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics
Synopsis
A guide to UK disability benefits: who can still get Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance and Scottish payments.
At a Glance
- 1 - New claims for DLA can now be made only for children under 16.
- 2 - Personal Independence Payment began replacing DLA for adults on April 8, 2013.
- 3 - Adults born on or before April 8, 1948, can keep getting DLA while they remain eligible.
- 4 - Since April 2022, people expected to have 12 months or less to live can claim under faster special rules.
Topic Definition
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance, usually shortened to DLA, is a tax-free United Kingdom benefit that helps with the extra costs of a disability or long-term health condition. It has a care component for people who need help looking after themselves and a mobility component for people with walking difficulties, and it is not means tested. New claims can now be made only for children under 16, because Personal Independence Payment (PIP) began replacing DLA for working-age adults in April 2013, while adults born on or before April 8, 1948, can keep their DLA. People over State Pension age claim Attendance Allowance instead, and in Scotland, Child Disability Payment has replaced DLA for children.
Overview
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the largest government department in the United Kingdom. It runs the main disability benefits for England and Wales: Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults of working age, and Attendance Allowance for people over State Pension age. These benefits help with the extra costs of a long-term illness or disability, are not means tested, and are paid whether or not you work.
DLA was once the main disability benefit for both children and adults. Since PIP was introduced on April 8, 2013, adults can no longer make a new claim for DLA, and most working-age adults who were on DLA have been moved to PIP. In Scotland, Social Security Scotland now runs its own disability payments, and in Northern Ireland, PIP and DLA are run by the Department for Communities.
Disability Living Allowance for Children
New claims for DLA can only be made for children under 16 who need much more help or supervision than other children of the same age, or who have walking difficulties, because of a disability or health condition. DLA has two parts: a care component, paid at one of three rates, and a mobility component, paid at one of two rates. A parent or guardian claims for the child, and at 16 the young person is usually invited to claim PIP [GOV.UK, n.d.-b].
Adults Still Getting DLA
Adults born on or before April 8, 1948, can keep getting DLA for as long as they remain eligible. Adults born after that date who still get DLA are asked to claim PIP instead and cannot choose to stay on DLA. The DLA helpline is 0800 121 4600 [GOV.UK, n.d.-a].
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that makes everyday tasks or getting around difficult. It has a daily living part and a mobility part, each paid at a standard or enhanced rate. Most people are assessed by a health professional, and the award depends on how the condition affects them rather than on the diagnosis. The PIP enquiry line is 0800 121 4433 [GOV.UK, n.d.-c].
Attendance Allowance
People over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability can claim Attendance Allowance instead of PIP. It is tax free, is not means tested, and does not depend on National Insurance contributions.
Disability Benefits in Scotland
In Scotland, Child Disability Payment has replaced DLA for children, Adult Disability Payment has replaced PIP, and Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance. These payments are run by Social Security Scotland, and most people who already get the DWP benefits are moved across automatically [Social Security Scotland, n.d.].
Special Rules for People Nearing the End of Life
Since April 2022, people who are expected to have 12 months or less to live can claim DLA, PIP or Attendance Allowance under special rules. Claims are dealt with faster, there is no qualifying period, a face-to-face assessment is not usually needed, and the highest daily living or care rate is paid [GOV.UK, n.d.-d].
Other DWP Disability Support
- Carer's Allowance, for people who care for someone getting a qualifying disability benefit for at least 35 hours a week.
- Vaccine Damage Payment, a tax-free lump sum for people severely disabled by certain vaccines.
- Access to Work grants, which help pay for practical support at work.
If You Disagree with a Decision
If a DLA, PIP or Attendance Allowance claim is refused or you disagree with the award, you must first ask DWP for a mandatory reconsideration. If you still disagree, you can appeal to an independent tribunal, the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support). These benefits are usually paid every four weeks into a bank, building society or credit union account.
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.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability or illness. It is not means-tested and does not depend on National Insurance contributions.
References
- GOV.UK. (n.d.-a). Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults.
- GOV.UK. (n.d.-b). Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.
- GOV.UK. (n.d.-c). Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- GOV.UK. (n.d.-d). Benefits if you are terminally ill.
- Social Security Scotland. (n.d.). Benefits and payments.
Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team. Last updated: