From 8 April 2013 the Government is introducing a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

To begin with, PIP will be introduced for new claims in Merseyside, North West England, Cumbria, Cheshire and North East England. During this period new claimants in all other parts of the country will continue to claim DLA. By June 2013 it is planned that PIP will replace DLA for all new claims.

Existing DLA claimants who are aged 16 to 64 on 8 April 2013 or reach age 16 after that date will be affected by the introduction of Personal Independence Payment, even if they have an indefinite or lifetime award of DLA. But, it won't happen immediately. It's being introduced in stages over a number of years.

From October 2013  if you report a change in your condition OR reach the end of an existing award of DLA (and haven't already received a DLA renewal letter) you will be asked to claim PIP.

From 2015 - the DWP will start to contact everyone else receiving DLA.

If you are a NASS member and want to know more please contact Sally who can provide a detailed guide to claiming the new benefit OR a brief guide to the points scoring system. We appologise that due to copyright issues this guide can only be provided to NASS members.