People eligible for support could soon be losing their entitlement
A DWP scheme is being cut back. The Department for Work and Pensions’ Access to Work scheme – which provides employment support for people with disabilities, health conditions or mental health problems – is set to be withdrawn from certain roles.
The scheme, which aims to reduce the number of people forced out of work due to health issues, offers a range of support. This covers everything from grants for practical accommodations to specialist software and communication assistance during job interviews.
However, changes to the Mental Health Support Service last August mean that 542,840 working Brits may no longer be eligible for this help. From April 1, all civil servants will be excluded from mental health support under the scheme.
Civil servants are defined as employees of a government department, executive agency, arm’s length body, the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales and some Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs). Public sector employees, including NHS employees, police and local government employees, are not considered civil servants under the scheme, and will still be eligible for the Mental Health Support Service.
Official say the mental health wing of the DWP support is set to align with other areas of Access to Work by making civil servants ineligible. At present, civil servants with a disability or health condition, other than mental health, are advised to seek this support through their employer and contact them directly if necessary, rather than through the Access to Work scheme.
It’s anticipated that those receiving mental health support in the service will have to do the same from the summer. This specifically applies to Access to Work contracts that came into effect on or after 20 August 2024.
Civil servants were phased out of other Access to Work support in April 2022, with government departments responsible for arranging assessments and adjustments for their civil servants. Contracts agreed up to 31 March 2022 continued until the end of the award period.
It’s expected that this same grace period until the end of their contract could be available to civil servants with contracts awarded before 20 August 2024. Those on the Work and Health Programme, WHP Pioneer, Restart and Fair Start in Scotland are not eligible for the Mental Health Support Service. Similarly, residents of the Channel Islands or Isle of Man are also excluded from all aspects of the Access to Work scheme.
To qualify for Access to Work, excluding job interview support, you must be 16 or over, residing in England, Scotland or Wales, and either in paid employment or about to start or return to work within 12 weeks of applying. You must also have a physical or mental health condition or disability that affects your ability to work or commute.
This can include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety or depression. On the physical side, it includes support for permanent conditions like being hard of hearing or using a wheelchair, as well as temporary issues like a broken leg.
More details about Access to Work and its eligibility requirements can be found on the Gov.uk website.
