Access to Work

Access to Work is a government scheme designed to provide extra support for individuals with disabilities or physical and mental health conditions in their work journey. The scheme assists individuals of all ages across England, Scotland, and Wales.

As an employee, you have the right to receive support from your employer, who is legally obligated to consider reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs. This may include adjustments to the job itself, the recruitment process, or providing additional equipment. Begin by having an open conversation with your employer to explore how they can support you.

In addition to your employer’s assistance, Access to Work can offer you further aid. The scheme provides practical solutions tailored to your specific needs. Support may include grants to assist with the costs of practical accommodations in the workplace, such as hiring support workers or acquiring specialised equipment. Travel expenses or mental health support can also be covered. It’s important to note that Access to Work doesn’t require you to repay any grants or financial support provided.

Applying for Access to Work is a straightforward process. Begin by discussing the options with your employer, as they may have insights into how we can help you. Alternatively, our dedicated Access to Work advisers are ready to collaborate directly with you and your employer. Together, we can suggest practical changes and accommodations that will enhance your work environment.

To be eligible for Access to Work, you must have a disability or health condition (physical or mental) that affects your ability to perform certain tasks in your job or commute effectively. You must also be 16 years or older and reside in England, Scotland, or Wales. You can check your eligibility on gov.uk.

Visit the website at https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work to access the full eligibility criteria and begin your application for Access to Work. For more information, you can also explore the easy-to-understand factsheet or watch the British Sign Language (BSL) videos on the DWP YouTube sign channel.