Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme to help more disabled people start or stay at work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition.
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support to help you:
- start working
- stay in work
- move into self-employment or start a business
The grant is not for business start-up costs.
How much you get depends on your circumstances. The money does not have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits. Access to Work can help pay for support you may need because of your disability or long-term health condition, for example:
- aid and equipment in your workplace
- adapting equipment to make it easier for you to use
- money towards any extra travel costs to and from work if you can’t use available public transport, or if you need help to adapt your vehicle
- an interpreter or other support at a job interview if you have difficulty communicating
- other practical help at work, such as a job coach or a note taker or lip speaker
- You may need to give us some proof of costs, for example for taxi fares
If you have a mental health condition, you will be offered assistance in developing a support plan. This plan may include steps to support you going into, remaining in, or returning to work and suggestions for reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
Examples of assistance in developing a support plan:
- Flexible working patterns to accommodate changes in mood and the impact of medication
- Provide a mentor to give you additional support at work
- Additional time to complete specific tasks
- Providing you with additional training
- Regular meetings between you and your manager to talk about your concerns
- A phased return to work, such as reduced hours or fewer days
Access to Work partners will also work with your employer to advise them how best they can support you.
To find out more email Karen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.