****** Our online survey has now closed and our focus group sessions have finished. Thank you to everyone who has taken part. We will publish our initial findings in May 2025 and our final proposal in June 2025 ******

The Commission on Social Security, led by experts with lived experience of the UK social security system, is seeking to develop our existing Plan for Decent Social Security System, with a detailed proposal for an Additional Costs Disability Payment.

After a project hiatus 2023-24, the Commission is now consulting on a proposal to replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Like the rest of the Commission’s work, we are putting forward proposals for a reimagined social security system that is designed by and works for those of who rely on it. It would be vastly different to the current system. 

This proposed payment aims to provide fair, dignified, and holistic support to Deaf and disabled people, addressing the additional costs and systemic barriers that they face. With your insights, we hope to refine this vision, and ensure it reflects the needs and realities of those it seeks to support.

We are inviting individuals, organisations, and groups to take part in this consultation. Whether you are directly affected by social security, a representative of a user-led or civil society organisation, or simply someone with a perspective to share, we want to hear from you.

The consultation covers key areas such as eligibility criteria, assessment processes, and the structure of advocacy and support services. It also explains some of the wider systemic changes we might need to see to make the new system a reality, like the creation of a National Independent Living Service.

It will end at midnight, Friday 14 March 2025.

Our consultation takes the form of an online survey as well as a series of focus groups on Zoom, taking place on the following dates:

• Wednesday 19th February 2-4pm

• Thursday 27th February 2-4pm

• Monday 3rd March 11am-1pm

• Friday 7th March 2-4pm (BSL interpretation for this session)

If you have experience applying for disability benefits and/or you work for a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, and if you are interested in signing up to one of our focus groups, please email: commissiononsocsec@gmail.com

Your feedback will directly inform our recommendations, and the proposals we present at our launch event later in 2025.