Personal Independence Payments

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) changing from June 2013

This benefit is going to be replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for anyone who receives DLA and is aged between 16 to 64 years of age.

For new claims, it starts in April 2013 for particular areas in England, but will start for new claims of DLA/PIP in Hounslow Borough from June 2013.

If you are already getting DLA:

You will not be affected by PIP until 2015 or later.

Unless:

  • there’s a change in how your condition affects you
  • your Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is due to end and you haven’t received a renewal letter

Unless either of these happens, you will not need to do anything. You’ll get a letter in 2015 or later explaining:

  • what will happen to your DLA
  • how you can claim PIP

You will be reassessed under the new assessment standards for PIP. Children on DLA will continue as normal until they reach 16. They decide at this point if they will claim PIP. DLA to remain for those 65 and over.

Attendance Allowance claimants will not be affected. Special rules remain for claimants who are terminally ill.

There is more information at www.gov.uk/pip . If you don’t have internet access and are not sure if you will be affected, please call us to see how we can help get the information to you.