If you are Self-Employed, you can get up to 100% funding from Access to Work.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work (AtW) is a government scheme which funds disability-related support and equipment to help people start or stay in work.
Who is Eligible for Access to Work?
- If you are disabled or have a long-term physical or mental health condition that impacts your ability to do your job and…
- You are self-employed, employed (including apprenticeship, work experience or an internship) or about to start or return to work and…
- Aged 16 or over and…
- Live in England, Scotland or Wales
How Much is an Access to Work Grant and What Does it Fund?
That depends on your individual case. The grant only covers the cost of support you need to stay in work or self-employment.
The grant can pay for things like:
- changes to the equipment you use
- special equipment such as text-to-speech software
- fares to work if you can’t use public transport
- a support worker or job coach to help you in your workplace (other examples include a strategy coach or BSL interpreter)
- a mental health support service if you’re finding it difficult to work or absent from work due to a mental health condition
- disability awareness training for your colleagues
- someone to help you at a job interview
Apply to Access to Work: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Apply
- Call 0800 121 7479 or access the Access to Work website
- Alternatively (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone) call the following number: 18001 then 0800 121 7479
- Provide details about your neurodiversity/disability alongside details of your employment.
2. Speak to Advisor
- An AtW advisor will call you within 5 working days to confirm your details.
- They may also call your employer (with your permission) to discuss how Access to Work can support you. Please note: This may lead to an assessment referral.
3. Have an Assessment
- A meeting between you and an assessor via either phone/video at work.
- You’ll be asked about what your job involves and the neurodiversity and/or disability-related challenges you experience in the workplace.
4. Get Funding
- Assessor writes a report and it is sent to Access to Work for consideration of funding.
- If approved, you and your employer will receive an award letter outlining how much funding has been approved.
- You are required to sign, date and return the letter to Access to Work, confirming the grant. Please note: The grant will not be paid if the signed declaration is not sent back to Access to Work.
5. Order
- Time for your employer to order equipment/support (recommendations) as detailed in the award letter.
- The employer calls us (neurobox) on 01223 608 491 and orders software, hardware, coaching and training as required.
- You’ll then receive a claims form to fill in and send back to Access to Work with receipts.
- Access to Work will then reimburse the employer for part or all of the costs (dependent on funding granted).
- Recommendations will then be put in place.
Will my Employer Have to Pay for any Support or Equipment that I’m Recommended?
Your employer might be asked to contribute towards the cost of your equipment and support, however, this depends on the size of the company you work for, the type of support you need and how long you have been employed by the company.
For example, if you are a new employee in the first 6 weeks of work, then you can get up to 100% funding from AtW.
If you have been with the company for longer than 6 weeks (from the date of initial application), and you have been recommended special equipment and aids, then your employer may be asked to contribute, depending on the size of the company.
If you have been recommended strategy coaching or a support worker, then you can get up to 100% funding from AtW, regardless of how long you have been employed and how big the company is.
Working with us as an Organisation or Individual
Our Client Relationship Team is ready to help your organisation take the next step to inclusion.
They’ll help you with all stages of the process, from navigating the Access to Work process, to ordering and arranging delivery of your Workplace Needs Assessment recommendations.
Whether you’re an employee claiming Access to Work, part of the HR team, procurement team or management, we can offer:
One Place – We can supply all of your recommendations.
Price Matching – We price match your Access to Work recommendations.
Account Management – Each client gets a dedicated Client Relationship Maanger, who will help you with delivery of software, technology and the booking of training or coaching.
One Invoice – You’ll receive on itemised invoice, meaning less paperwork to send to DWP. This will save you time with the claims process.
About the author
Dr Deborah Leveroy
Neurodiversity and Inclusion Lead
Dr. Deborah Leveroy is Neurodiversity and Inclusion Lead at neurobox. She works with organisations to advance neuro-inclusion strategy and practice. Deborah has a PhD in Dyslexia, inclusion and performer training from the University of Kent.
Her research is published by Routledge in peer-reviewed journals and edited collections. Current research interests include Neuroinclusive return to work practices and remote working. Previous roles include Disability Advisor for Remploy’s BBC workplace adjustment contract, Strategy Coach and Workplace Needs Assessor for PAM occupational health and Study Skills Tutor for several DSA providers.
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Commewnts (1
I’ve been given a grant from DWP Andrea’s in your website that you can supply everything required.
I have ADHD and I am in desperate need of help.
My phone number is 07549940094.
Thank you.
Funmi
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