Access to Work

How can Access to Work help me?

Examples of what Access to Work can help with the cost of, include:

• Changes needed to equipment and aids in the workplace.
• Special equipment adaptions to make it easier to use.
• Moving equipment if changing location or job.
• Money towards any extra travel costs to and from work when available public transport is not suitable, or if a vehicle needs to be adapted.
• An interpreter or other support at a job interview for communication difficulties.
• Disability awareness training for work colleagues.
• Other practical help at work, such as a support worker, job coach, a note taker or lip speaker.
• For those with a mental health condition, development of a support plan.

Access to Work will also work with the employer to advise them how best they can support an employee in the workplace. The workplace can include working from home.

How much the individual earns will not affect the support offered by Access to Work.

If an Access to Work grant is awarded, it will not affect any other benefits and it does not need to be paid back. The individual or employer may need to pay some costs up front and claim them back at a later date.

Access to Work does not:

• Pay for reasonable adjustments in the workplace. These are changes that the employer must legally make to support the individual’s job. Access to Work will advise the employer if changes should be made as reasonable adjustments.
• Pay for business start-up costs.

Eligibility

To apply for Access to Work, an individual must fit the following criteria:

• Aged 16 or over.
• Normally a resident in, and working in the UK.
• Have a disability or a long-term physical or mental health condition that means an aid, adaptation or financial/human support is needed to do the job. Long-term is defined as lasting or likely to last for at least 12 months.

The individual must also fit one of the following:

• Already be doing paid work.
• About to start work or become self-employed.
• Have an interview for a job.
• About to begin a work trial or start work experience under the Youth Contract arranged through Jobcentre Plus.

Exemptions

Access to Work grants are not available for people who are receiving any of the following:

• Incapacity Benefit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Income Support
• National Insurance credits

Preparing for your application

Access to Work will ask what help and support is needed when you apply and, with your consent, may contact the employer for more information. Please visit www.gov.uk/access-to-work for more information.

Access to Work will need the following information to process your application:

• National Insurance number
• Workplace address, including postcode
• The name, email address and work telephone number of a workplace contact (usually your line manager)
• Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number if you are self-employed

Access to Work may also ask for the individuals hearing aid(s) make and model. This information can be found in the hearing aid fitting pack or provided by the Hearing Services department.

How to apply

Online:

Visit the following website for more information about Access to Work and to complete the online form:

Website: www.gov.uk/access-to-work

By telephone:

The telephone lines are available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Tel: 0800 121 7479

Textphone: 0800 121 7579

If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, you can download the app for Relay UK (www.relayuk.bt.com) or call them on your textphone by dialling 18001 then 0800 121 7479 Relay UK are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

British Sign Language (BSL)

A video relay service is available if you are using a computer. Visit www.gov.uk/access-to-work for more information.