PIP vs DLA vs ADP (Scotland) vs Attendance Allowance
Four different disability benefits exist depending on age and where you live. Knowing which one applies is the first step to claiming.
Tip: scroll the table sideways to see all columns →
In Scotland, ADP has fully replaced PIP for working-age claimants since 2022. Existing PIP claimants in Scotland were transferred automatically. DLA continues for under-16s only; adult DLA claimants moved to PIP/ADP between 2013 and 2018.
Related guides
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit for people aged 16 to 64 who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their ability to carry out daily activities or get around. It is not based on your diagnosis but on how your condition affects you day to day.
14 min
Disability Living Allowance for Children
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 who have a physical or mental disability and need more care, supervision, or help with mobility than a child of the same age without the disability would normally need. It is not means-tested and can be paid on top of other benefits, making it an important source of additional support for families.
10 min
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit for people aged 65 and over who have a disability or illness and need help with personal care or supervision. Around 1.7 million people in Great Britain receive it, but many more are eligible and do not claim.
10 min
Work Capability Assessment Reform: The Pathways to Work Changes
The Work Capability Assessment determines whether a disabled or sick claimant has 'limited capability for work' (LCW) or 'limited capability for work-related activity' (LCWRA). The 2024 government Pathways to Work green paper proposed major changes — tightened descriptors, new conditionality, and eventual merger of the LCWRA element with PIP. Some changes are now in force; others are paused pending review. This guide explains the current state and what to expect.
10 min
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