Welfare Changes - Personal Independence Payment Information
Date published:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a new benefit replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to 64 years. PIP and DLA cannot be claimed at the same time.PIP was introduced in Northern Ireland on 20 June 2016 for new claims to PIP and for existing DLA claimants aged 16- 64 years whose benefit is due to come to an end or who report a change in their needs.
All remaining DLA claimants aged 16 to 64 years will be randomly selected for assessment and invited to claim PIP. This will happen over a number of years between December 2016 and December 2018.
DLA will remain for children up to age of 16 years, whether they are existing or new claimants. The parent or guardian of existing DLA claimants will be contacted before their child turns 16 to tell them what they need to do.
People aged 65 years or over on 20 June 2016 will continue to receive DLA provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.