Written by Maia Barker

This resource is for people who live in England, Scotland, and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland and want to apply for Access to Work, visit NI Direct – Access to Work – Practical Help at Work. 

Access to Work is a government programme that aims to help disabled people start and stay in work.  

The scheme provides grants and support for people who: 

• Are D/deaf
• Are disabled 
• Are neurodivergent 
• Have long term mental or physical health conditions  

You’re eligible for an Access to Work grant if you: 

• Are over 16
• Live in England, Scotland, or Wales
• Are about to start work, currently in work, or completing a work trial. (Work can be employment or self-employment but must be paid. You cannot get a grant for unpaid work.)

To qualify for Access to Work, your disability must impact your daily work routine or mean that you have to pay for additional work-related expenses. For instance, you may be eligible if you need to hire taxis for commuting because public transport isn’t accessible for you, or you need to purchase specialised software or equipment for work purposes. 

How much is the Access to Work grant? 

There is no set amount for an Access to Work grant. The recommendations you receive are tailored to you, your needs, and what will best support you at work. However, there is a cap on how much you can receive, which is £66,000 (1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024).  

Access to Work will recommend services, training and products to your employer, to support your work. Your employer will then purchase these and be reimbursed by Access to Work. Access to Work will usually pay for any support over £10,000, up to £66,000. Your employer will make some contribution on your behalf, based on how many staff they hire. 

What Access to Work can pay for

Access to Work can pay for things like: 

• A support worker, notetaker, BSL interpreter or travel buddy
• Specialist equipment or software
• Cost of transportation if you can’t use public transport
• Disability equality training for your colleagues
• Communication support at a job interview
• Coaching and mental health support

What Access to Work cannot pay for

• Reasonable adjustments. These are changes your employer must make to support you to do your job. For example, allowing a service dog to work in an environment where dogs aren’t usually allowed, like a recording studio. Another example could be changing the work environment, like adapting chairs and keyboards
• A diagnosis, such as an autism or ADHD assessment
• An up-to-date diagnostics report
• Equipment that is standard for the job, such as a standard computer chair or desk
• Support that you put in place with your employer before applying for Access to Work

If you receieve other benefits

You may still be eligible for Access to Work if you receive other benefits. 

You can still get support if you receive Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support or Universal Credit and work more than one hour a week. 

If you receive Employment and Support Allowance, you can only get Access to Work if you are doing permitted work. It is permitted work if: 

• You earn up to £167 a week
• You work less than 16 hours a week
• Your work coach has agreed to it

The application process

You can apply for Access to Work online. You can also write to them, or telephone the contact number for alternative formats such as audio CD, large print, or braille. 

How to contact Access to Work   Telephone: 0800 121 7479  Textphone: 0800 121 7579  Email Address: [email protected]    Postal Address:   Access to Work  Operational Support Unit  Harrow Jobcentre Plus  Mail Handling Site A  Wolverhampton  WV98 1JE

To apply for Access to Work, you’ll need:

• Your details, including your National Insurance number
• Information about your job
• Information about how your impairment or condition affects your work and what support you need
• If you are employed, the details of someone we can contact at your workplace
• If you are self-employed, your Unique Taxpayer Reference
• If you have one, the name of your New Enterprise Allowance mentor 

The step-by-step process

1. Check that you’re eligible for Access to Work.  
2. Contact Access to Work: You can do this by applying online or contacting Access to Work by telephone, post, or email. You can ask for alternative formats such as audio CD, large print, or braille. 
3. After registering, an Access to Work advisor will contact you within seven working days. The Access to Work advisor will go through the eligibility criteria with you. They will also talk about what your barriers to working are and what support could be available to you.
4. Talking to your employer about your application: If you’re applying for Access to Work, it’s a good idea to talk to your employer about your application. Understandably, disclosing a disability can be nerve-wracking. Remember, you don’t have to disclose anything that you don’t want to, such as naming your impairment or condition.
   • If you would like some guidance on how to talk to your employer, watch this short video. 
5. Providing evidence: If you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (such as dyslexia or dyscalculia) you will need an up-to-date diagnostics report. If you are disabled or have a long term mental or physical health condition, you will need to submit a letter from your doctor or consultant. 
6. The assessment: Access to Work will authorise a workplace needs assessment if they think you fit the criteria. This is paid for by Access to Work. The assessment will either take place over the phone or in your workplace. It will identify the barriers you experience and what kinds of support would be best suitable for you. The assessor will complete a report that will be evaluated by your Access to Work Advisor, and then send you a letter with the amount of funding you will receive. 
7. Arranging support: You and your employer will arrange the support. Your employer will need to contact Access to Work for reimbursement. The workplace needs assessment report will provide recommendations for support. 

Applying to Access to Work if you have a mental health condition. 

You can get mental health support from Access to Work through Able Futures and Maximus.  

This could include one-to-one sessions with a mental health professional, or a tailored plan to support you at work. A tailored plan could include: 

• A mentor to support you in work. 
• Additional training. 
• Flexible working patterns. 
• Giving you additional time to complete tasks. 

You can apply for support directly through these resources and they will contact Access to Work on your behalf. 

Resources

Creative Diversity Network’s Access to Work Guide in TV has many overlaps with the music industry and is an invaluable resource when learning more about Access to Work.