The Access to Work grant is available for anyone with a physical or mental health condition and can provide a grant to help pay for a wide range of things related to work
Disabled people across the UK could be in line for additional financial aid to help them either remain in or gain employment, the DWP says. The Access to Work scheme offers support to those with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities – and can sometimes provide a grant to cover various work-related expenses.
According to official guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this may include assistance with “practical support with your work”. The scheme also covers communication support during job interviews and offers extra help for managing mental health at work. And if you work from home, whether part-time or full-time, your home could be considered a workplace for the purposes of the scheme.
Receiving an Access to Work grant won’t impact any other benefits you’re getting, and there’s no requirement to repay it. However, there might be instances where you or your employer have to cover some costs up front and reimburse them later.
All the things you can get with Access to Work
While there is not solid cash figure that can be claimed from Access to Work, official guidance highlights that it can help eligible claimants pay for a wide range of things to help them at work. This includes:
- costs of travelling to work, if you cannot use public transport
- support workers, like a BSL interpreter, a job coach or a travel buddy
- specialist equipment and assistive software
- adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work
- physical changes to your workplace
Those who need extra mental health support can also use Access to Work to receive a tailored plan that will help them stay or get into work as well as receive one-to-one sessions with a mental health professional. If you need extra communication support, specifically for job interview, you can use Access to Work to help pay for a BSL interpreter or lip speaker.
Keep in mind that Access to Work will not pay for things that are considered ‘reasonable adjustment’ in the workplace. This refers to any changes that an employer is legally required to make in order to support you to do your job.
How to apply for Access to Work
You can make a claim for Access to Work as long as you have a physical or mental health condition or disability and be aged 16 or over. You must also either be in paid work or about start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks. While you can receive help when living or working in England, Scotland, or Wales, it is not available in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
In order to apply for Access to Work, you must first have the following details on hand:
- your workplace address and postcode
- details of a workplace contact who can confirm you work there, if you’re employed (they will not be contacted without your permission)
- your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, if you’re self-employed
- your contact details
- information about how your condition affects your work and what support you think you need
You can either apply online or by dialling the Acess to Work helpline on 0800 121 7479.