Download the app
© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
Download the app
© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
4 min read
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
October 10, 2025
This guide explains the Commission on Social Security’s proposal for an Additional Costs Disability Payment (ACDP) — what it is, how it differs from Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and how it connects with the government’s Cost of Living Payments (including the final £299 payment made in February 2024).
The Commission on Social Security — a group of experts who have lived experience of disability and the benefits system — created the Additional Costs Disability Payment (ACDP) proposal.
They want to replace PIP with a benefit that truly covers the extra costs of living with a disability, including higher energy bills, essential aids, equipment, and travel. At the moment, ACDP is not a government policy, so you can’t apply for it. The Commission’s goal is to encourage a future system that’s fair, consistent, and easier to navigate.
The proposed ACDP aims to move away from PIP’s points-based system and replace it with a more holistic, person-centred approach.
Here’s how it differs:
It’s worth noting that this proposal is not government policy yet — PIP remains active in England and Wales, and Adult/Child Disability Payment continues in Scotland.
Between 2022 and 2023, the government automatically paid two £150 Disability Cost of Living Payments to people receiving certain disability benefits:
These payments supported people on benefits such as PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Adult/Child Disability Payment (Scotland), and others. They didn’t affect any other benefits or tax.
In February 2024, the government paid a final £299 Cost of Living Payment to people receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-based JSA/ESA.
There are no further Cost of Living Payments planned.
According to the UK Government (GOV.UK), there are no new Cost of Living Payments scheduled after early 2024.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Social Security is continuing to develop the ACDP proposal, with the goal of influencing future disability policy and making the system fairer, simpler, and more respectful.
The Additional Costs Disability Payment (ACDP) is a civil-society proposal from the Commission on Social Security to replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with a benefit designed specifically to meet additional disability-related costs. The government has not adopted the ACDP proposal, so people cannot claim it yet.
The government gave one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payments in 2022 and 2023 to people receiving certain disability benefits. In February 2024, it paid a final £299 Cost of Living Payment to people on means-tested benefits. The government does not plan any more Cost of Living Payments after spring 2024.
Is ACDP available to claim?
No. ACDP is a proposal from the Commission on Social Security. It is not a live benefit and cannot be claimed unless adopted and legislated for by government.
How does ACDP relate to PIP today?
PIP remains in place in England and Wales; Scotland operates Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment. Any move to ACDP would require legislation and implementation.
Was there a disability Cost of Living Payment in 2024?
No. The disability-specific £150 payments were 2022 and 2023 only. The 2024 payment (£299) was for means-tested benefits and marked the final Cost of Living Payment round.
Where to check official details?
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows how it feels to lose independence due to a disability. She is passionate about holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Her goal is to make Purpl an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, advice, and financial relief.
Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
DWP Confirms Small Benefits Increase for PIP, Carer’s Allowance & More
Going Abroad On PIP: The 4-Week Rule That Could Pause Your Payments
Changes to Universal Credit: What They Mean for Disabled People, and Where to Get Support
How to Challenge a PIP Decision in the UK: What to Do If Your Claim Is Refused or Underpaid
PIP Reform 101: Latest Update on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Changes
PIP Discounts and Freebies 2025: Maximise Savings with your PIP Benefits