Financial and other external support
Access to Work
'Access to Work (AtW) is a publicly funded employment support grant scheme that aims to support disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support for people who have a disability or physical or mental health condition. Support can be provided where someone needs support or adaptations beyond reasonable adjustments.' – UK Government definition.
This guidance is not intended to replace existing government guidance on Access to Work. Colleagues must ensure they review the full guidance prior to making an application.
Who is eligible?
To receive support from Access to Work (AtW), you must have a physical or hidden disability or health condition that means you need aid, adaptation, financial support, or human support to do your job.
This can include but is not limited to.
- A physical disability
- A learning disability or related condition
- A developmental condition
- Learning difficulties or differences
- An illness such as diabetes or epilepsy
- A temporary condition
- A mental health condition.
You do not need to be diagnosed with a condition to apply for AtW, but it helps.
How can Access to Work help me?
There is no set amount for an AtW grant; how much you will be awarded depends on your specific case and individual needs—for example, AtW can pay for;-
- 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 cannot use available public transport or need help adapting 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, note taker, or lip speaker.
Access to Work - Overview guidance
The EDI Team has developed an Access to Work - Overview for those seeking more information.
Access to Work has been Revolutionary for me! Having been struggling with the commute to and from the office as an autistic person, I began to avoid going into the office; this negatively impacted my feelings about my performance at work. With the support of Access to Work and a grant for taxis to work, I feel more comfortable going into the office, and it has removed a significant barrier and drastically improved my work life!
Workplace Mental Health Support Service
The Access to Work Mental Health Support Service is a free service funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. The Service provides advice, information, support and tools to help support staff with mental health conditions, including personalised support plans and advice from mental health professionals. To access this service, please apply directly to either Able Futures or Maximus.
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guidance on applying to Access to Work
For step-by-step guidance on applying to Access to Work, we recommend this free course developed by ADHD Works.
My electric Wheelchair, partially funded by AtW, has been a godsend