We call on the UK Government to extend Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children until age 18, instead of forcing 16-year-olds to move onto Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

At 16, young people are still in education, still developing, and often still heavily reliant on family support. Forcing them into the adult benefits system at this age causes unnecessary stress, anxiety, and disruption.

The PIP process is complex, difficult to navigate, and widely recognised as distressing—even for adults.

Expecting vulnerable teenagers to manage this transition is unreasonable and harmful.

We ask the Government to:

·       Extend DLA for children up to age 18

·       Align support with education and development stages

·       Protect young people from unnecessary distress

A 16-year-old is still a child. They deserve stability, not systems that put their wellbeing at risk.

·       Many 16–18 year olds are still in full-time education or training

·       PIP assessments are widely reported to be stressful and difficult to navigate

·       Sudden changes to financial support can destabilise families

·       Neurodivergent and mentally vulnerable young people are especially affected