Thousands of young disabled people missing out when DLA ends

Only around 75% of young people are moving from children’s disability benefits to adult ones, new figures show.

The number of young people getting disability benefits falls by more than a quarter between the ages of 15 and 17.

When kids reach 16 years old, they need to move from disability living allowance (DLA) to personal independence payment (PIP).

But a report by thinktank Resolution Foundation has raised concerns that kids are slipping through the cracks when switching to adult disability benefits.

Resolution Foundation say it’s a “huge worry” that people are missing out on support because of an age-cut off, rather than their needs changing.

Disability Rights UK have called on the government to investigate.

Make sure you’re not missing out

In England and Wales, children who are disabled or have a health condition may be entitled to DLA until they turn 16. After this, they could be eligible for PIP.

PIP isn’t be awarded automatically, so kids have to apply if their needs haven’t changed. The Department for Work and Pensions will contact them telling them to apply.

Disability benefits

One in 16 kids (682,000 kids) received DLA last year. Most (four-fifths) of these payments were awarded for conditions such as learning difficulties, behavioural disorders or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Read more in our guide about the different disability benefits, including how to apply. You can make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to with our benefits checker.