PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
PIP replaces DLA from age 16. It has two components:
- Daily living — help with daily tasks
- Mobility — getting around
Each has standard and enhanced rates. PIP is not means-tested and is not affected by work or savings.
The assessment is paper-based + often a face-to-face/phone assessment. Many SEND young people are wrongly turned down at first and win on appeal.
Tips:
- Apply in plenty of time before 16th birthday
- Describe the worst day, not the best day
- Use real examples ("On Tuesday she…")
- Get help from Citizens Advice, SENDIASS or a local welfare rights service
- Always appeal a refusal — over 70% of appeals succeed
Universal Credit and other benefits
At 18, your young person may be entitled to:
- Universal Credit (with Limited Capability for Work element)
- Carer's Allowance (if a relative cares for them 35+ hours)
- Council Tax reduction
- Housing Benefit (in some areas)
- Free prescriptions, dental care, eye tests
- Disabled Persons Railcard, Blue Badge, bus pass
Care Act assessment
From age 18, adult social care is governed by the Care Act 2014. Any adult with "appearance of need" has the right to a Care Act assessment from the local council. This looks at:
- Eligible needs
- Outcomes the person wants
- Carer's needs
If eligible, the council must offer a care and support plan and a personal budget. This can fund:
- Personal assistants
- Day services
- Supported living
- Respite / short breaks
- Direct payments (the family manages the budget)
Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
For young people with complex health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare can fully fund care. Eligibility is high, but worth pursuing — start the assessment well before 18.
Mental Capacity Act
For decisions your young person can't make alone, the MCA 2005 requires:
- Assume capacity unless proved otherwise
- Capacity is decision-specific
- Best-interests decisions involve the person and family
- Least restrictive option
Do
- Apply early, appeal always
- Keep copies of everything
- Get specialist welfare-rights advice
Don't
- Don't accept the first "no"
- Don't fill in forms alone if you can avoid it
- Don't underestimate how much paperwork there is — pace yourself
The system is hard. You are not failing — it is.