Benefits Post 16
Young Person’s Guide to Claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Once you get to 16 yours old, you won't be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) anymore. Instead you will need to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Before you turn 16, you will receive a letter asking you if you want to claim PIP and whether you can do this on your own or whether your parent or carer needs to do this for you.
What is PIP?
PIP is money from the government to help if you have a long-term disability, health condition, or SEN needs that affect your daily life or getting around.
PIP is not based on your income, savings, or whether you work.
You can get it even if you live with your parents.
Who Can Get PIP?
You may be able to get PIP if:
• You are 16 or older
• You have a condition or disability that affects you for at least 3 months already
• You expect your difficulties to last at least 9 more months
And you struggle with things like:
• Communicating or understanding
• Social interaction
• Planning or following journeys
• Washing, dressing, eating
• Keeping yourself safe
How to start a PIP Claim
If you did not receive DLA or if you do not receive the form to apply, you need to phone the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
When you call you need to tell them:
• Your full name
• Address & postcode
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number
• GP or health professional details
• Bank account details
• Contact information for someone supporting you (optional)
If you find phone calls difficult, you can ask:
• A parent or carer
• A support worker
• A trusted adult
…to call on your behalf, but you must be with them for the first call.
The ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ Form (PIP2)
After the phone call, you will get a big form in the post.
This form asks about:
• Daily living (washing, eating, mixing with people, communication, safety)
• Moving around (walking, planning journeys, anxiety when outside)
Tips for filling it in:
• Write about bad days, not your best days
• Be honest about what is difficult
Explain if you need:
• Extra time
• Someone with you
• Reminders or encouragement
• Equipment
• Give examples of times things went wrong or were unsafe
Good evidence to send:
• EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)
• Letters from SENCO, teachers, therapists
• Reports from GP, psychologists, or support services
• Behaviour or support plans
• Social care assessments
• Medication lists
Take photos or copies before sending.
Your PIP Assessment (Meeting or Phone Call)
Most people have an assessment with a trained health professional.
This is not a test — it’s a conversation about your needs.
You can:
• Have a parent or carer with you
• Ask for adjustments (longer time, breaks, quiet room, video call instead)
• Ask for the questions to be explained more simply
• Tell them if you feel overwhelmed or anxious
They may ask things like:
• “What help do you need each day?”
• “Do you go out alone?”
• “How do you manage washing, cooking, planning, communicating?”
It’s ok to say:
• “I don’t know”
• “I need help to explain”
• “That’s difficult for me”
Getting Your Decision
DWP will send you a letter explaining:
• Whether you get PIP
• How much money you’ll receive
• How long your award lasts
PIP is made up of:
• Daily Living
• Mobility
Each can be standard rate or enhanced rate.
If You Disagree With the Decision
You can ask for Mandatory Reconsideration (MR). This is when you tell the DWP why you think the decision is wrong. You can also send more evidence.
If they still don’t change it, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
There are free organisations that can help, such as:
• Citizens Advice
• Scope or Mencap
Helpful Support for Young People with SEN
People who can help you with your PIP claim:
• Parent or carer
• SENCO or teacher
• Support worker
• Social worker
• Youth worker
• Advocate (someone who speaks up for you)
Tips to Make It Easier
• Keep a diary of what’s hard day-to-day
• Take breaks — the form is long
• Ask someone to read it with you
• Be honest about your difficulties
• Don’t feel guilty — PIP is there to help you
More information about Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Having an Appointee
When a young person turns 16, they are expected to take on responsibility for any benefits they claim in their own right. But if they’re unable to manage their own affairs, their parent or carer can become their ‘appointee’ for benefit claims. If would like your parent to manage your PIP for you they can become an appointee by contacting Job Centre Plus who will take you through your next steps. This is usually a straightforward process and should not delay any claims that you are making.
Further details are available from Citizens Advice.