Welcome to UK Benefit Navigator, in this article we are going to cover “PIP vs. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in 2025: What’s the Difference?”
PIP vs. Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are benefits designed to support people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. However, PIP has largely replaced DLA for adults, and there are significant differences between them. This article will explain the key distinctions between PIP and DLA in 2025, helping you understand how these benefits differ and who is eligible for each.
Understanding Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was the main benefit for people with disabilities before the introduction of PIP. DLA supports individuals with care and/or mobility needs, but it is a much older benefit, with a very different assessment process and rules.
- Who Can Claim DLA in 2025? DLA is primarily now available for children under the age of 16. Adults can continue to receive DLA if they were already on the benefit before PIP was introduced and were not transferred to PIP.
- Two Components:
- Care Component: For people who need help with personal care.
- Mobility Component: For people who have difficulty getting around.
- How DLA is Assessed: DLA assessments are largely based on the information provided on your application form, rather than an in-depth evaluation. There are typically no in-person assessments (unless for children or when the DWP needs further information), and the DWP makes its decision based on the paper-based application.
- Payment Rates: DLA has different rates for each component, depending on the level of need.
Table of Contents
Understanding Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the benefit that has largely replaced DLA for adults. It provides support for those with long-term health conditions and disabilities, based on the impact these have on a person’s daily life and mobility.
READ ALSO: Learn Essential Tools & Software for a Skill-Based Future in 2025
- Who Can Claim PIP in 2025? PIP is for adults aged 16 and over (though see exceptions for terminally ill people, as mentioned in previous articles), who have long-term health conditions or disabilities.
- Two Components:
- Daily Living Component: For people who struggle with everyday tasks.
- Mobility Component: For people who have difficulty with getting around.
- How PIP is Assessed: PIP assessments are based on the information provided on the application form and a detailed assessment, usually by a third party assessment provider. This assessment may be face to face, by phone or online. The assessment looks at what level of support a person needs to carry out daily living and mobility activities.
- Payment Rates: PIP has standard and enhanced rates for both the daily living and mobility components, based on the points you are awarded.
Key Differences Between PIP and DLA
Feature | Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Personal Independence Payment (PIP) |
Target Audience | Primarily children under 16. Some older adults who were on DLA before PIP. | Focuses on the person’s ability to perform a range of daily living and mobility activities safely, reliably, repeatedly and on time. |
Assessment Type | Paper-based, based on application form. Some assessments for children and if further evidence is required. | Based on the information provided in the application form, and a detailed assessment, usually by a third party assessment provider. |
Assessment Focus | Focuses more on the specific diagnosis and needs. | Focuses on how the health condition or disability impacts daily living and mobility. |
Components | Care component and Mobility component | Daily Living component and Mobility component. |
Payment Rates | Different rates depending on the level of care and mobility need. | Standard and enhanced rates for daily living and mobility, based on points scored. |
Reassessments | DLA reassessments are not common except for children at age 16. | PIP awards have fixed terms, and are subject to regular reassessment. |
Criteria | Focus on general care and mobility needs. | Focuses on the person’s ability to perform a range of daily living and mobility activities safely, reliably, repeatedly, and on time. |
Transferring from DLA to PIP
- Natural Migration: If you were previously on DLA, you may at some point be asked to claim PIP if your circumstances change, or your DLA award comes to an end.
- Not Guaranteed: It is not always guaranteed that people transferred from DLA to PIP will receive the same level of support. A person may also be asked to transfer from DLA to PIP at the age of 16.
Which Benefit Should You Claim in 2025?
- If you are an adult aged 16 and over, you will likely need to claim PIP, unless you were already receiving DLA before the introduction of PIP, and your circumstances have not changed.
- If you are a child under 16, you may be eligible for DLA.
- Contact the DWP If you are unsure what benefit to claim, contact the DWP for guidance.
Key Considerations
- PIP is more focused on the impact of conditions on your ability to function on a daily basis. rather than diagnosis.
- The PIP assessment process is generally considered more thorough than the DLA process, and requires detailed explanation and evidence.
- DLA is for children DLA is mainly for children under 16, and adults should be applying for PIP.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between PIP and DLA is crucial for anyone who is considering claiming a disability benefit. While both benefits aim to provide support, they have different eligibility criteria, assessment processes, and payment structures. In 2025, PIP is the main benefit for adults with long-term health conditions and disabilities, whereas DLA is primarily for children, and for people who were already on DLA before the introduction of PIP. This article will help you understand the key differences between PIP and DLA so that you can navigate the system with confidence.