Disability Living Allowance

From April 2013 a new benefit, Personal Independence Payment, will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for disabled people aged 16 to 64. Personal Independence Payment is non-means tested, non-taxable and non-contributory.

Personal Independence Payment is based on an assessment of individual need. The new assessment will focus on an individual’s ability to carry out a range of key activities necessary to everyday life. Information will be gathered from the individual, as well as healthcare and other professionals who work with and support them. Most people will also be asked to a face to face consultation with a trained independent assessor as part of the claim process.

Like DLA, PIP will have 2 components and recipients could receive either or both components depending on how many ‘points’ they score in activities test.