DLA to PIP at 16

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DLA to PIP for 16 year old…my son was 16 a few weeks ago and has received DLA @ MRC, LRM for last 5 years. The descriptors on the PIP form are really so inappropriate for 16 year olds. Eg cooking, he can make toast but no way would attempt anything like a microwave meal etc. But I don’t think it’s that unusual for a 16 year old. And complex budgeting, not appropriate either for a 16 year old. We also live rurally so no buses etc so no idea how that would work. No idea how he would be working out bus times etc

So no he can’t do these things, but it just seems the wrong questions for a 16 year old. He’s ASD, ADHD and Tourette’s. Highly impulsive still but academically doink ok. Socially pretty anxious. I’ve got to get back to them by next week. Not sure whether to even put him through this, although I am his appointee.

Most 16 year olds would be capable of making a simple meal. That doesn’t necessarily mean they do, but that they are capable of doing so. Same for budgeting and planning and following a journey. Focus on what DS can’t do or can’t do to the required standard, rather than his age.

I agree the form is horrible, it's all points based & certain answers score the points. You can get help to fill it in - if he needs an appointee then you do probably need to fill it in. It is easier to transition than it is to start a whole new claim & you can give permission to access the old DLA information.
They never even spoke to my Son -ASD (who is verbal but doesn't like talking)
If he qualifies he could also get some driving lessons & start learning now (16)

Hi all :) I called DLA end of July regarding a Change of circumstance for my son. They received forms on 21st August. My son has now turned 16 and I have started a pip claim for him. I’m told he will continue to receive DLA until a pip decision is made. Will they still honour these changes for DLA even though a pip claim has been started? Thanks

Yes the COC will continue.

Thank you.

The questions they ask are about a neurotypical 16 year old. They can make a simple meal, they can travel pretty much anywhere they need to get to locally, they can plan their day, etc. Your answers will show how those normal activities are not achievable for your DS, and therefore why he needs support. It's important to do it now to prepare for his future.

How does the PIPS application work? I had a form sent a couple of months ago that just asked if my son needed an appointee, why he can’t manage his own benefits and the appointees details and bank account. I sent it back, but today got another one the same saying they hadn’t got the information and it’s urgent. Amazing how it’s only ever government departments that seem to have things lost in the post either to or from them and who knows why it took months for them to tell me they hadn’t got it. So now with only a month to go before he turns 16 I have to send it again with no guarantee they will admit to receiving it. I thought this form was it but was told today that once they get that I will get another letter with a telephone number to call to apply, and that the whole thing can take up to 22 weeks. Is there no way of doing this all online in this day and age, or at least by email so there is proof it’s been sent? Will they continue paying DLA until this is done?

You can send things recorded delivery. Before a child turns 16 they write informing of the change asking whether an appointee is required. They then write again 1 month before reminding of the upcoming change. You can’t actually apply for PIP until 16, so you have to call then. Some people can get an online form rather than a paper form, if that’s what you want ask if you can when you call.