Disability News
4 min read
Additional Costs Disability Payment (ACDP): The Proposal to Replace PIP
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).
At a Glance
- The Additional Costs Disability Payment (ACDP) is still a proposal, not an active benefit. It aims to create a fairer and more dignified system that helps disabled people manage the extra costs of daily life.
- In spring 2025, the Commission on Social Security consulted the public for feedback and plans to publish the final proposal in August 2025.
- PIP remains in place in England and Wales, while Scotland continues with its Adult and Child Disability Payments. The government must introduce new legislation before ACDP can replace PIP.
- The government gave two £150 Disability Cost of Living Payments in 2022 and 2023 to help disabled people with rising costs. These payments were automatic, not taxable, and didn’t affect other benefits.
- In February 2024, the government paid a £299 Cost of Living Payment to people receiving means-tested benefits. It has no plans for additional payments after that date.
In this Article
- What is the ACDP Proposal?
- What Would ACDP Change?
- Where Cost of Living Fit in
- What’s Planned Now?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ACDP Proposal?
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.
What Would ACDP Change?
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:
- Focus on real costs, not on how your condition affects daily tasks.
- Assessments designed around the social model of disability, recognising barriers rather than blaming individuals.
- Evidence from carers or family would count, and people would have access to independent advocacy.
- Cash payments, not vouchers or reimbursements.
- Fairer treatment for people with fluctuating or complex conditions.
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.
Where Cost of Living Payments Fit In
Disability Cost of Living Payments
Between 2022 and 2023, the government automatically paid two £150 Disability Cost of Living Payments to people receiving certain disability benefits:
- September–October 2022 (qualifying date: 25 May 2022)
- June–July 2023 (qualifying date: 1 April 2023)
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.
2024 Cost of Living Payment
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.
- DWP-paid claimants: 6–22 February 2024
- Tax credits-only claimants (HMRC): 16–22 February 2024
There are no further Cost of Living Payments planned.
What’s Planned Now?
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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?
- Cost of Living Payments (eligibility & dates, including disability payments and the 2024 £299 schedule): GOV.UK Guidance
- HMRC timing for tax-credits-only group (Feb 2024): GOV.UK News Release
- ACDP proposal and consultation updates: Commission on Social Security
About the Author

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
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