Access to Work Explained: What It Is and How to Apply
Updated: Sep 21
If you're neurodivergent, disabled or have a physical or mental health condition, you may be able to get additional support at work through the government's Access to Work scheme.
Access to Work can help you get into work or stay in work by contributing towards practical support based on your individual needs. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government grant that can help pay for additional support you need because of a disability or health condition.
Depending on your needs, you may be able to get help with:
practical support at work
specialist equipment or software
support with your mental health at work
communication support for job interviews
additional travel costs
The support available is based on you, your circumstances and the challenges you experience at work.
Who Can Apply for Access to Work?
You may be able to apply if you're:
employed
self-employed
an apprentice or trainee
a supported intern
completing certain types of work experience
taking part in a Jobcentre Plus work trial
attending a job interview
You may also be able to apply before starting a new role if you have:
a job offer
a confirmed start date
confirmation of an upcoming interview
Not sure whether you qualify? Check your Access to Work eligibility.
What can Access to Work pay for?
What you receive will depend on the support you need.
An Access to Work grant could contribute towards:
specialist equipment
assistive software
a support worker or job coach
BSL interpreters or other communication support
additional travel costs if you can't use public transport
adaptations to a vehicle
physical changes to your workplace
If you work from home some or all of the time, your home can also count as your workplace.
Access to Work is a grant rather than a loan, so you won't usually need to pay the funding back. In some circumstances, you or your employer may need to pay for something upfront and claim the cost back.
Can I get Access to Work if I'm self-employed?
Yes, self-employed people may also be eligible for Access to Work.
This can be particularly useful for neurodivergent freelancers and business owners who need additional support with certain parts of their working day.
The important thing is to think about where you're experiencing barriers and what kind of support could help.
What about mental health support?
If a mental health condition is affecting you at work, support may also be available through Access to Work.
This could include:
an assessment of your needs
practical strategies to help you at work
suggestions for workplace adjustments
one-to-one support
a tailored plan to help you get into or stay in work
You can find out more about the available support through Able Futures or Maximus.
Can Access to Work help with job interviews?
If you need additional communication support during a job interview, Access to Work may be able to help with the cost.
This can include support if you:
are deaf or hard of hearing and need a BSL interpreter or lip speaker
have a physical or mental health condition or learning difficulty that means you need communication support
You can find out more and apply for communication support at a job interview.
What doesn't Access to Work cover?
Access to Work doesn't replace the reasonable adjustments your employer is legally responsible for making.
Instead, it can provide additional support beyond those adjustments to help you do your job.
How do I apply for Access to Work?
The process starts with checking whether you're eligible.
Think about the barriers you experience during your working day and the support that could help.
Apply for an Access to Work grant.
You don't need to know exactly what your support should look like before you start exploring your options. Focus on the parts of your working day that are difficult and the difference the right support could make.
Getting the right support at work
The right support can create more structure, reduce overwhelm and give you more capacity to focus on what you do best.
If you think Access to Work could help, check your eligibility and explore the support available to you.
How can The Executive Solutions Agency help you?
Whether you're just starting your Access to Work application or you've already received your grant, ESA can meet you wherever you are in the process as an Access to Work provider.
If you're applying, we can help you:
complete and submit your application
keep track of your application and chase progress
prepare for your Access to Work assessment
join you during your assessment so you feel supported and comfortable
And once your grant is in place, our team can provide the practical, tailored support you need in your business, working around the way you work and the areas where you need us most.
Already have your Access to Work grant?
You don't need to start from scratch with us. We can pick things up from where you are and help you put the right support in place, so feel free to get in touch wherever you are in your Access to Work journey.
If you'd like to know more about what you can get from Access to Work, download our free Access to Work Support Guide.
About The Executive Solutions Agency
The Executive Solutions Agency provides flexible, tailored support for neurodivergent professionals, creative business owners and construction professionals. We work around the way you work, helping you create more clarity, structure and space to focus on what matters.
Comments