When a child on DLA turns 16
When a young person receiving DLA reaches their 16th birthday, they will be invited to claim PIP instead. This transition is important to understand and prepare for.
We explain the system. We do not advise on individual cases.
What happens at 16
DLA for children normally ends when a young person reaches 16. At that point most young people in England are invited to claim PIP (Personal Independence Payment) instead. DLA does not automatically turn into PIP — a new PIP claim is needed.
How the move works
The DWP usually writes to let the young person know that their DLA is ending and that they can claim PIP. DLA normally continues until the PIP claim is decided, as long as the PIP claim is made by the date in the letter. It is important not to miss that date.
Who makes the PIP claim
At 16, the young person is usually expected to claim in their own right, though a parent, carer or appointee can help or act on their behalf where needed.
Next steps
- Read the PIP overview and who PIP is for and how to claim.
- Understand why children get DLA not PIP.
- Official source: GOV.UK — DLA when your child turns 16.
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Last reviewed: June 2026. We review this website regularly. Benefit rules and amounts can change — for current forms, deadlines and rates, always check GOV.UK. See how we keep this up to date.