Is Disability Living Allowance Over 65 Years Age Still Available in the UK?

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In the ever-evolving landscape of UK welfare and social security, questions around legacy benefits such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) remain prominent, particularly for older claimants.

Many wonder whether DLA is still available to those aged over 65, especially as newer systems like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance (AA) have largely replaced it.

This blog explores the current status of Disability Living Allowance for individuals over 65, clarifies its availability, and outlines alternatives and essential information for older UK residents navigating disability-related benefits.

What is Disability Living Allowance, and Who Was It Originally Intended for?

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was introduced in 1992 to provide financial support to people with physical or mental disabilities who required help with daily living tasks or mobility. DLA was a non-means-tested benefit, intended to assist with the extra costs associated with long-term disability.

It was available in two components:

Care Component: For individuals needing help with personal care.
Mobility Component: For individuals who required assistance getting around.

The benefit was available to both children and adults, but from June 2013, a significant change occurred with the gradual replacement of DLA for adults aged 16–64 by Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

While DLA is now closed to most new adult claimants, a limited number of individuals, particularly those over 65, may still receive it under specific conditions.

Can New Claims for DLA Be Made After the Age of 65 in the UK?

No. New claims for Disability Living Allowance cannot be made by anyone over the age of 16, and certainly not by individuals over 65.

Since the introduction of PIP, new adult claimants must apply for PIP if they are under State Pension age, or for Attendance Allowance if they are over that threshold.

The only group that still receives DLA are those who were already on it before they reached 65 and have not yet been reassessed or migrated to another benefit. As such, the DLA scheme for adults is essentially frozen, preserved only for existing recipients in certain regions or circumstances.

What Happens to Existing DLA Claimants Once They Reach 65?

Individuals who were already receiving DLA when they turned 65 may continue to receive it, depending on their condition and region.

How Does Reaching State Pension Age Affect Existing DLA Recipients?

For claimants who were awarded DLA before reaching 65, the benefit does not automatically stop at pension age.

Instead, they can continue receiving it as long as their needs remain the same and they don’t undergo a reassessment or change of circumstances that would trigger a migration to another benefit.

Can Changes in Condition Affect DLA After 65?

Yes. If a DLA recipient over 65 experiences a change in their health or care needs, they are required to report it to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

In such cases, they may be asked to undergo a reassessment which could result in a transition to Attendance Allowance, depending on the nature of their needs and their age at the time of reassessment.

How Does the Transition from DLA to PIP Affect Those Over 65?

The transition from DLA to Personal Independence Payment was part of a wider reform to standardise support for disabled individuals. However, this shift is largely age-restricted.

Eligibility for Migration to PIP

Generally, if a person was under 65 when PIP was introduced in their area, they were expected to transition from DLA to PIP. Those who were 65 or older at the time have typically remained on DLA, unless a change in circumstances prompts reassessment.

Exceptions and Regional Differences

While most parts of the UK completed the migration process by 2019, there are exceptions. For instance, Northern Ireland experienced delays in its rollout, and individual circumstances still play a crucial role in determining who migrates to PIP.

What Alternative Benefits Are Available if You’re Over 65 and Not Eligible for DLA?

If you’re over State Pension age and do not qualify for DLA or PIP, the main alternative is Attendance Allowance (AA). It is the primary benefit available for older individuals who need support with personal care but who do not require mobility support.

Is Attendance Allowance a Suitable Replacement for DLA?

While AA serves a similar purpose to the care component of DLA, it is not as comprehensive, particularly because it does not include a mobility element. This leaves a gap for older claimants who still need help with mobility.

How Does Support Differ Between DLA and Attendance Allowance?

The table below highlights the key differences between DLA (adult), PIP, and Attendance Allowance:

Feature	Disability Living Allowance (DLA)	Personal Independence Payment (PIP)	Attendance Allowance (AA)
Age eligibility	Under 65 (before 2013)	16 to State Pension age	Over State Pension age
Includes mobility support	Yes	Yes	No
Care/personal support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Means-tested	No	No	No
New claims allowed	No (for adults)	Yes	Yes

How Does DLA Interact with State Pension and Other Age-related Benefits?

A common concern among older adults is how DLA affects, or is affected by, State Pension and related benefits. Fortunately, DLA is a non-means-tested benefit, which means it does not reduce your State Pension entitlement or vice versa.

However, the interaction of DLA with other benefits may affect eligibility or payments under other schemes, such as:

Pension Credit
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Reduction

The presence of DLA may lead to premiums or additional entitlements under these schemes. Claimants should always inform the DWP and local authorities about their DLA award to ensure they receive the full range of support available.

What Role Does the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Play in Managing DLA Over 65?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) remains responsible for overseeing all disability-related benefits, including existing DLA cases. For claimants over 65 still receiving DLA, the DWP:

Manages continued eligibility
Processes change of circumstances
Communicates any upcoming migration to other benefits
Provides guidance for appeals or reconsiderations

In essence, while DLA is no longer actively issued to new adult claimants, the DWP ensures that legacy cases are handled with care and according to existing legislation.

What Steps Should Someone Over 65 Take if Their Circumstances Change?

If an individual over 65 experiences any change in their health, mobility, or care needs, they must promptly report it to the DWP. This may trigger a reassessment, which could lead to:

An adjustment in the current DLA award
A transfer to Attendance Allowance if mobility needs are no longer present
Potential closure of DLA and reassessment under different benefit rules

It’s critical to be transparent, as failure to report changes can result in overpayments or benefit withdrawal.

How Can Older People Get Help Understanding or Appealing Benefit Decisions?

Understanding the UK’s benefit system can be overwhelming, especially for older individuals. Thankfully, charities and advisory organisations provide free support with:

Completing benefit forms
Understanding eligibility
Challenging or appealing decisions

Some of the most respected support organisations include:

Organisation	Services Offered	Contact/Website
Age UK	Advice on benefits, appeals, home visits	www.ageuk.org.uk
Citizens Advice	Legal advice, form filling, appeals	www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Independent Age	Guides and telephone advice	www.independentage.org
RNIB	Benefits support for people with sight loss	www.rnib.org.uk

These services are especially valuable when navigating complex legacy cases such as DLA post-65.

Conclusion

While Disability Living Allowance is largely a legacy benefit in the UK, it remains relevant for a specific group: those who began receiving it before the age of 65. Although new claims are no longer accepted, existing claimants may continue receiving support, provided their circumstances remain unchanged.

For individuals over 65 who are not eligible for DLA, Attendance Allowance serves as the primary alternative. Navigating the UK benefit system can be complex, especially when dealing with transitions between schemes.

However, with the right guidance and support, older individuals can still access the help they need to maintain their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PIP and Attendance Allowance?

PIP is designed for people under pension age and includes a mobility component, while Attendance Allowance is for those over pension age and doesn’t include mobility support.

Can someone over 65 still receive mobility support through any benefit?

Mobility support is generally not available through Attendance Allowance, but those already receiving DLA with a mobility component may retain it under certain conditions.

How do I check if I’m still eligible for DLA after age 65?

Eligibility depends on when you first claimed DLA and your current circumstances. The DWP typically contacts you if any changes are required.

Can a person over 65 switch from DLA to PIP voluntarily?

In most cases, claimants cannot switch voluntarily after state pension age, unless part of a managed reassessment by the DWP.

Are disability benefits taxable in the UK?

Disability benefits like DLA and Attendance Allowance are generally not considered taxable income in the UK.

Is there any impact on Council Tax reduction when receiving DLA or Attendance Allowance?

Yes, some local councils offer additional Council Tax reductions if you’re receiving certain disability benefits. Check with your local authority.

Where can older adults get free help with filling out disability benefit forms?

Charities like Age UK, Citizens Advice, and Independent Age offer free support for completing applications and appeals.