Disability Rights UK (DR UK) is urging disabled people and their organisations to take part in an important consultation led by the Commission on Social Security. This independent group, made up of people with lived experience of the social security system, is developing a detailed proposal for a new Additional Costs Disability Payment to replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This consultation is separate from the UK Government's proposed consultation on disability benefits, expected at the end of March. Unlike the Government's approach, which aims to cut £3 billion from disability and health benefits, the Commission on Social Security is working to develop a fairer, more dignified, and holistic system of support.
Who Are the Commission on Social Security?
The Commission is a group of people who have first-hand experience of navigating the social security system. They describe themselves as "experts in the social security system and what works and what doesn't". Their aim is to create proposals for a fairer and more supportive benefits system that truly meets the needs of disabled people.
Why This Consultation Matters
The proposed Additional Costs Disability Payment is designed to:
Provide adequate financial support to cover the additional costs disabled people face
Ensure the system is dignified and accessible
Remove systemic barriers that make claiming disability benefits difficult
Address the real-life needs of those it seeks to support
Your feedback will directly shape the Commission's recommendations and influence their final proposals, which will be presented later in 2025.
How to Get Involved
The consultation consists of an online survey and a series of focus groups on Zoom, some of which will have British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation.
Upcoming Focus Groups:
Monday 3rd March – 11 am-1 pm
Friday 7th March – 2-4 pm (BSL interpreted session)
Friday 14th March – 2-4 pm (BSL interpreted session)
Wednesday 19th March – 2-4 pm
Thursday 27th March – 2-4 pm
To sign up for a focus group, email commissiononsocsec@gmail.com
Deadline to Respond
The consultation closes at midnight on Friday, 14th March 2025.
By taking part, you can help shape a system that provides fair, dignified, and holistic support for disabled people.
For more details, including a visual guide on how the proposed system might work, visit The Commission on Social Security website.