An Introduction to neurobox and Access to Work
Access to Work can help remove barriers at work by funding practical support, specialist equipment, assistive technology, coaching, training and other workplace adjustments.
But knowing what support you need, navigating the application process and getting recommendations implemented can feel like a lot to manage.
That’s where neurobox can help.
At neurobox, we provide a fully coordinated Access to Work service, delivering and managing recommended adjustments. We’re with you throughout the journey – helping you understand your options, coordinate your recommendations and put the right support in place, we can even support with the claim for at the end!
From assistive technology to coaching, training and ongoing adjustment management, our aim is to make workplace adjustments straightforward, coordinated and effective. You remain in control of your Access to Work application, while we can support you with the practical steps around your recommendations and implementation.
To support you on your Access to Work journey, we’ve created a guide to outline what applying for Access to Work involves. This includes eligibility, the claims process and how to renew any support that you might require.
Before You Apply: Check Your Eligibility for Access to Work Funding
Before applying, consider whether your disability or health condition impacts your ability to perform your role and whether additional support could help remove those barriers.
You can apply if you:
- Are aged 16 or over.
- Live and work in England, Scotland or Wales.
- Have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition that impacts your ability to do your job.
- Are employed, self-employed, about to start work, or attending a job interview.
- Are undertaking certain work-related placement such as apprenticeships, work experience or internships.
Some points that trip people up:
- You apply yourself – your employer cannot apply on your behalf, though you can have someone help you (including on the phone call)
- No formal diagnosis is required – it helps to be able to describe your condition and how it affects you at work, but you don’t need any medical paperwork.
- You don’t need to be receiving disability benefits, and being on Universal Credit, JSA, Income Support, or doing ‘permitted work’ on ESA doesn’t stop you applying.
- If you’re applying ahead of a job that hasn’t started yet, Access to Work generally can’t assess your needs until you have a written job offer – although support for a job interview falls under communication support and can be accessed.
1. Apply for Access to Work
Applications for Access to Work can be made online or by phone.
There are slightly different routes depending on what you need:
- Practical workplace support (specialist equipment, Assistive technology, Training, coaching, travel and workplace adaptations)
- Mental health support – a separate route with its own application process – find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
- Communication support at a job interview – a separate, faster-track route.
There is also an Access to Work helpline available 9am – 5pm during the week.
Telephone 0800 121 7479. Alternatively, if you cannot hear or speak on the phone you can call Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 121 7479.
Before applying it is recommended to have available:
- Your contact details.
- Workplace address and postcode.
- National Insurance number (if applicable).
- Details about how your condition affects your work.
- Information about support you think would help.
- A workplace contact if you’re employed – your work will not be contacted without gaining your permission to do so.
- If you’re self-employed, you’ll also need your UTR number.
2. Talk to an Advisor
Following your application, an Access to Work adviser will usually contact you, usually within 5 days.
The discussion will focus on:
- Your role and responsibilities.
- The barriers you experience.
- The impact those barriers have on your performance.
- Potential solutions and support options.
In some cases, with your permission they may speak to your employer.
A workplace needs assessment might be recommended.
Tip: Be specific. Vague descriptions slow things down. It helps to describe concrete examples such as ‘I can’t take phone calls for more than 10 minutes without needing a break because of …’
3. Have your Workplace Needs Assessment
A Workplace Needs Assessment (WPNA) is designed to identify the support that may help you perform effectively in your role. It will take place via phone/video at work.
The assessor will typically consider:
- Your role and day-to-day responsibilities.
- Your strengths and capabilities.
- Existing workplace adjustments.
- Challenges you’re experiencing.
- The impact of those challenges on your work.
- At times, with your permission, they may also speak to your manager to get a thorough understanding of your working environment.
Following the assessment, tailored recommendations are produced to help address any of the identified barriers.
4. Decision and Support Implementation – Funding
Once your application has been reviewed by Access to Work, you’ll receive a decision outlining approved support. You, and your employer will receive an award letter outlining:
- What you’re approved to claim for
- How much your grant is (this is subject to an annual funding cap)
- How long the award lasts (awards are time-limited, not indefinite)
If you’re unhappy with the decision or it’s refused, you can contact the Access to Work helpline to query it or ask about a review.
5. Getting the Support in Place
It’s then time for your employer, or you, to order any of the recommendation’s details in the letter/report.
Using neurobox as your Access to Work Recommendation provider:
Send a copy of your funding letter to us and we’ll put together an order covering the full set of recommendations in your award, so the equipment and support get arranged in one go. You’ll also get access to our adjustment management platform neurohub – this is where you can track and manage any training or coaching, and if you have software the licence codes will be stored here too.
Tip: It doesn’t matter if we’re not listed as a supplier – DWP don’t mind who supplies the adjustments.
Tip: It is important to remember this is a reimbursement scheme. You (or your employer) generally pay first and claim the money back afterwards, with receipts or invoices as proof.
6. Claiming your Money Back
You can only claim after the cost has been incurred. For example, after the journey, after the invoice is issued, after the coaching session has taken place.
Tip: Keep proof. You’ll need receipts or invoices for whatever you’re claiming.
If you’re using us, we’re able to help you with the paperwork. neurohub, our adjustment management platform can provide pre-completed claims forms for your order, so you’re not starting the claim from scratch.
- Claim online or by post.
- Online claims now go through the UK One Login system (introduced late 2025), which is shared across multiple government services, not just Access to Work.
- If it’s your first time using GOV.UK One Login, you’ll need to verify your identity – If you are unable to verify online, the helpline can advise on the postal route.
Once your claim has been submitted, Access to Work will process it and, where approved, arrange payment.
7. Renewing your Support
Access to Work should contact you around 12 weeks before your award ends. You can apply to renew online or by phone from that point.
If you’ve used us – you’ll also get notified by neurohub of any upcoming renewals.
Your needs may also change before your award ends. Your role might change, new technology might be introduced, or an adjustment that worked initially may no longer be the right solution. If this is the case you can request a review to your current award.
Access to Work Doesn’t Have to be a Journey You Navigate Alone
At neurobox, we can support you beyond the initial recommendation, helping coordinate your Access to Work support and making it easier to manage as your role, needs and workplace change.
From assessment and recommendations through to equipment, assistive technology, coaching, training and ongoing adjustment management, we bring the different parts of your support together through one trusted partner.
With neurobox and neurohub, you have one place to coordinate your adjustments, track your support and keep your Access to Work journey moving forward.
Because getting the right adjustment is only the beginning. We help make sure it works for you.
Speak to the team and arrange your support today.
Speak to the team
Looking to navigate the Access to Work process?
Whether it’s enquiring about assessments, requiring assistance with implementing support or even looking for advice on the claims process, the team at neurobox are here to support you on your journey.
Get in touch with neurobox’s Access to Work team and see how we can support you.
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