DLA to pip

Hi Jane

It's important for you to understand that PIP is different from DLA and it is treated as an entirely new claim, and should be treated as such. This means even if your husband's condition is unchanged the criteria for PIP are not identical to DLA and you should read through the guide and ensure you make it clear for each question where your husband meets the criteria. You also want to send in any additional medical evidence that you have.


DLA looks at generic care needs in regard to bodily functions, PIP looks at the claimants specific ability to carry out an activity such as eating. DLA was awarded because the claimant needed an amount of care (in time) during the day, the night of both, to help them with that bodily function. PIP looks at the claimants ability to complete specific tasks within the activity and is points based, these are clearly defined and it is easy not to score points because the claimant has not shown that they meet those specific criteria.

DLA treated the use of aids as a reason to reduce the amount of care needed, PIP treats aids as an indication of disability and in general they score extra points.

DLA's care need was reasonably generic, PIP treats prompting, assistance and supervision as different activities and as a result, they can score different points.

DLA required that the care was required for the majority of the time, for PIP it is the majority of days.

For PIP activities must be completed reliably, this means

• Safely – in a fashion that is unlikely to cause harm to themselves or to another person.
• To a necessary and appropriate standard – given the nature of the activity.
• Repeatedly – as often as is reasonably required.
• In a timely manner – in a reasonable time period.


About 95% of claimants are currently being called for a face to face interview.

PIP Guide

BIS