By John Donnelly
The Access to Work scheme is money from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help people with a wide range of health or learning challenges get to or stay in a job.
Who is it for?
It’s for people with a physical or mental disability, learning difficulties, developmental condition, a long-term health condition such as diabetes or epilepsy, or temporary
condition eg a broken leg.
If you find it difficult to do your job or get to work this could help. You could be entitled to a grant for:-
• Practical support with your work
• Help to manage your mental health in the workplace
• Communication support at job interviews
You must be aged 16+ and in a paid job, about to start a job or going back to work. This can be in Scotland, England or Wales.
It does not matter how much you earn. If you get an Access to Work grant, it will not affect any other benefits you get and you will not have to pay it back.
What Can I Apply For?
Practical Support. For example:-
- British Sign Language interpreters, lip readers or note takers
- Adaptions to your vehicle so you can get to work
- Taxi fares or a support worker if you cannot use public transport
- Support worker or job coach to help in the workplace
Mental Health Support. For Example:-
- Tailored plan to get or stay in work
- 1-1 sessions with a mental health professional
How Do I Apply?
You can apply by phone or online for an Access to Work grant.
You will need your personal details; workplace address; postcode and contact to confirm you are an employee; details about how your condition affects your work and what support is needed.
If self-employed you will also need your Unique Taxpayer Reference number.
Apply online at Access to Work or telephone 0800 121 7479 or textphone: 0800 121 7579
For Mental Health support apply directly to either:-
Anything Else I Should Know?
You or your employer may need to pay some costs up front and claim them back later.
It is an employer’s responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to make sure employees with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions are not substantially disadvantaged in the workplace.
More details are available online at Gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments-for-disabled-workers
This article was first published in June 2023 and information was accurate at time of publication