Understanding how PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance assess needs

Many people assume that the mobility element of disability benefits only applies to those who cannot walk. In practice, eligibility is far more nuanced. For example, some clients can physically move around but struggle with navigation, orientation or safety due to confusion, cognitive impairment or sensory issues.  

In conversation with Holly Miéville-Hawkins, Partner in the Court of Protection team at Anthony Gold Solicitors, Adam Booth, a Welfare Benefits Adviser at Chase de Vere, clarifies how the three main non-means-tested benefits, ie; Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance (AA), assess mobility and safety needs differently. The article also provides practical insights for deputies managing benefits as clients age or their conditions change. 

How mobility and safety are assessed across the three benefits 

For DLA and AA, assessors consider whether a person can perform an activity safely, repeatedly and reliably, or if they require help or supervision. With PIP, this concept is formalised through a points-based system that awards scores for the level of assistance needed with daily living and mobility tasks. 

Where the benefits differ most is in how they approach mobility: 

• DLA and PIP include a mobility component. This looks not only at physical ability to walk but also at a person’s capacity to navigate safely and move around without confusion or risk. For instance, a person who can physically walk but becomes lost or disoriented may still qualify for the mobility element of these benefits. 

• AA, by contrast, focuses entirely on personal care needs during the day or night and has no mobility component. This means mobility or navigation challenges alone will not qualify someone for AA. 

As Adam Booth explains, “mobility is not just about being able to get up and walk on your legs. There’s a lot more to being outside safely than most people realise.” Deputies therefore need to consider both physical and cognitive aspects of mobility when assessing their client’s likely benefit entitlement. 

Understanding the ‘safely, repeatedly and reliably’ test 

A core principle in the DLA and AA assessment process is whether the person can complete everyday tasks safely, repeatedly and within a reasonable time. It recognises that someone may technically be capable of an activity but not without risk or undue effort. 

PIP goes further by quantifying this through descriptors and point allocation criteria. The assessment examines how consistently a person can carry out 12 specific activities, such as preparing food, washing, dressing or communicating. If a person can only complete a task with supervision or prompting, this is reflected in their score. 

For example, a client who can physically wash and dress but requires supervision due to confusion or risk of injury may qualify for points under PIP’s daily living component. This structured approach helps decision-makers assess the degree of support required, not just whether the task is physically possible. 

For Court of Protection deputies, understanding this framework is crucial when evidencing a client’s care needs in benefit applications or reviews. Documenting instances where a person cannot perform tasks safely or consistently strengthens the case for entitlement and evidences transparent decision-making the annual OPG report. 

Also Read: Who can claim PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance? Understanding eligibility & key differences

The key difference: Mobility components in DLA and PIP 

One of the most important distinctions between these benefits lies in the mobility component available under DLA and PIP. 

Mobility assessments in DLA and PIP consider both physical ability and cognitive capability to plan and follow journeys. This includes evaluating how safely a person can move around outside their home, whether they can recognise danger, and whether mental health, visual or neurological conditions affect their ability to travel independently. 

For instance, a client with dementia who can physically walk may still qualify for the mobility element of PIP because they cannot reliably navigate or travel safely without supervision. This recognises that mobility challenges are not limited to physical impairment. 

By contrast, AA focuses purely on care needs. It covers help required with personal care during the day or night, such as bathing, dressing or taking medication, but offers no financial support for mobility or navigation difficulties. This creates a clear dividing line between the two systems. 

For deputies, this means that clients who develop mobility or navigation issues before reaching pension age may be better supported under PIP than under AA later in life. Planning ahead can therefore make a significant financial and practical difference. 

Also Read: Challenging a PIP, DLA or Attendance Allowance decision: Time limits, extensions & mandatory reconsiderations

Why PIP can offer broader support before pension age 

Between PIP and AA, PIP provides the broadest coverage because it includes both daily living and mobility components. For individuals nearing State Pension age, this distinction becomes strategically important. 

If a person applies for PIP before reaching State Pension age, that claim can continue beyond pension age as long as they remain eligible. This is not the case if the first claim is made after reaching pension age, when Attendance Allowance becomes the only option, without the mobility component. 

As Adam Booth highlights, this timing can be decisive: “If someone is approaching pension age and might qualify for PIP, it’s worth submitting the claim before that date because it preserves access to the mobility element.” 

Entitlement begins from the date the claim is made, meaning even a phone call to start the process before the pension age threshold can secure ongoing eligibility. Deputies should therefore consider making timely applications for clients with developing mobility or navigation challenges. 

For example, a 64-year-old client experiencing confusion and unsteadiness when going out alone could apply for PIP shortly before their 65th birthday. If successful, they could retain the mobility payment well into retirement, providing vital support for transport, aids and equipment or carer assistance. 

Practical implications for deputies and case managers 

For professional and lay deputies, understanding how each benefit defines mobility and safety is essential for managing client finances effectively. These distinctions determine not only entitlement but also the sustainability of care arrangements and the evidence required for annual deputyship reporting. 

Deputies should ensure that: 

• Client age milestones are tracked carefully. A DLA claimant turning 16 will move to PIP, and PIP claimants approaching pension age may later transition to AA. 

• Mobility and safety assessments are reviewed regularly. A client who was previously mobile may develop cognitive or orientation issues that justify a higher level of support. 

• Applications are submitted on time, especially for clients nearing State Pension age. Applying early for PIP can secure broader, long-term support. 

• Evidence and reports from occupational therapists, carers or family members are gathered to support claims and reviews. 

For case managers and solicitors, these benefit distinctions are not only financial but ethical. Ensuring clients receive the right level of support demonstrates diligent, client-focused management and compliance with the OPG’s Deputy standards. 

Common misunderstandings and professional tips 

Even experienced practitioners can misinterpret how these benefits operate. Below are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Equating mobility solely with walking

Mobility includes the cognitive element of navigation and awareness of danger, not just physical movement. Clients with confusion, dementia or sensory impairment may still qualify for the mobility element of PIP or DLA.

2. Assuming Attendance Allowance includes mobility

AA only covers care needs. It does not provide financial support for mobility, orientation or travel issues.

3. Missing the opportunity to apply for PIP before pension age

If a client applies for PIP before reaching State Pension age, they can keep receiving it after pension age, including the mobility component. Missing this window can limit future entitlement.

4. Overlooking cognitive or sensory conditions

Some deputies focus on physical disability and overlook eligibility linked to mental health, memory loss or sensory processing issues. Always assess both physical and cognitive mobility. 

Professional tip: Review every client’s mobility and navigation needs at least annually. For those nearing 65, discuss whether a PIP application should be made before state pension age is reached. A proactive approach can protect income and ensure continuity of care. 

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What does mobility mean in PIP and DLA assessments?

The definition of Mobility in the PIP and DLA assessment process includes both physical ability to walk and the capacity to plan and follow journeys safely. This covers navigation, awareness of danger and cognitive understanding of routes. 

Q2. Can you get Attendance Allowance for mobility problems?

No. Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component. It focuses only on personal care needs during the day or night. 

Q3. What happens if someone reaches pension age while on PIP?

They can usually continue receiving PIP as long as they remain eligible. Claims made before State Pension age continue, even after that age is reached. 

Q4. Should you apply for PIP before turning 65?

Yes, if eligible. Applying before State Pension age allows claimants to retain access to the mobility element, which is not available through Attendance Allowance. 

Q5. How do assessors decide if someone can undertake activities safely?

Assessors look at whether a person can complete an activity safely, repeatedly and within a reasonable time, considering both physical and cognitive factors. 

Conclusion and next steps 

Understanding how PIP, DLA and AA assess mobility, navigation and safety is key to ensuring clients receive the support that they are entitled to. These differences are not always obvious, but they can have significant financial and practical implications for people under Court of Protection supervision. 

The main takeaway for deputies and advisers is to act early and plan strategically. Assess mobility and navigation regularly, keep detailed evidence, and consider submitting a PIP claim before State Pension age if the client’s needs suggest they would qualify. 

For tailored advice on managing welfare benefits within Court of Protection deputyships, contact our specialist Court of Protection team at Anthony Gold Solicitors. Send us your query at mail@anthonygold.co.uk, or call us on 020 7940 4060.