DOZENS of children in Maldon were stripped of disability benefits after their 16th birthday, figures show.

Those who claimed Disability Living Allowance in childhood failed to qualify for the adult version of the benefit, Personal Independence Payment.

Around 106 young claimants in the area saw their benefit award rates increase or stay the same after moving to PIP but 95 had their awards withdrawn, according to data from the Department of Work and Pensions.

Of the cases disallowed between 2013 and 2020, 77 applicants were rejected after failing to score enough points - awarded to reflect their mobility and care needs - during the assessment part of the process.

There were also seven youngsters who were refused due to failing to attend assessments without good reason and 11 who did not meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Another 17 applicants were approved for PIP but had their award rate cut.

DLA and PIP are awarded to help individuals and families meet the extra costs associated with long term health conditions and disabilities, with claimants currently entitled to receive up to £152 a week.

The Department of Work and Pensions said more than 60 per cent of child DLA claimants go on to receive PIP, with award rates staying the same or increasing for over half of all claimants.

A spokesman said: “PIP is designed to assess how people are affected by their disability, rather than just the disability itself.

“Many DLA claimants have not undergone any kind of assessment of their needs for several years and as a result their condition or their needs arising from their condition may have changed substantially.”