Access To Work

Learn about the Access To Work scheme, and how we can help you

Building the future of work with neurodiversity in mind

Lets break down Access to Work, and how Inclusive Change at Work can assist you

Navigating the Access To Work application process can be complex and overwhelming, especially for individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or neurodivergence. At Inclusive Change at Work (ICAW), we understand the challenges you may face and are here to support you every step of the way.

What is Access to Work?

This information applies to England and Wales.

Access to Work is a DWP grant scheme which can help you navigate the recruitment process or maintain your job if you have a physical, neurodivergent, mental health condition, or disability.

The support available will be tailored to your specific needs.

How the Access to Work grant can help you

Through Access to Work, you can apply for the following tailored assistance:

• A Virtual Assistant

• Mentoring or training

• A job aide or support worker, like a job coach, BSL interpreter, travel buddy or driver

• ADHD or Autism coaching

• Work based training

• Workplace strategy coaching

• Neurodiversity or disability awareness training

• Support with managing your mental health at work

• A grant to help pay for practical support with your work

• Communication support at job interview

• Specialist equipment and assistive software

• Costs towards travel to work, if you cannot use public transport

• Adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work

• Physical changes to your workplace

• Transportation and technology solutions

• Interview support

• Work based assessment

Not sure what you need? Access to work could pay for a workplace assessors to see what help you need.

How do I know if I am eligible for a grant?

There are certain criteria that apply must meet in order to be considered for a grant:

• Over 16 years old

• Have a condition or impairment that affects your ability to do your job or to get to work

• Be in or about to commence paid work (this includes self-employment)

Access to Work is available if you are full or part time, or if you work from home.

🎉YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE DIAGNOSED WITH A CONDITION TO APPLY🎉

You do not need to get disability benefits to apply for Access to Work. Any benefits you receive will not affect your application. If you receive Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income Support, are working for more than 1 hour a week, you are still eligible for Access to Work. If you claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and doing ‘permitted work’, you can still receive support from Access to Work.

For further information, you can access a series of BSL friendly YouTube videos.

After your application

Apply directly on the Gov.uk Access to Work website, by phone, or by post.

You must apply for access to work yourself, your employer cannot do this for you. We can support this at a rate of £69 + VAT through our application form.

For further information, you can access:

• an Access to Work fact sheet

How they will contact you

An assessor from Access To Work will contact you to discuss your work circumstances, the duties of your role, and the impact of your condition on your work. This will enable them to decide the support available to offer you.

The assessor might want to speak to your employer to establish your needs and understand the working environment.

How long the process takes

If you are due to start work, your application will be a priority.

If you are currently in employment. waiting times vary from 12 weeks to get an assessment.

While you are waiting

Speak to your employer and see what help is already available.

We can provide services before you application is awarded but these will need to be self or employer funded.

If you are struggling with the application process and need further assistance, we are here to help.

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Coaching & Virtual Assistant Support

Enhance your professional skills and productivity with our coaching and virtual assistant services, designed to empower you in the workplace.

Mentoring

Connect with experienced mentors who will guide and inspire you on your journey to success, providing valuable insights and support along the way.

Work Support

Benefit from personalised support in various aspects of your work life, ensuring a conducive and inclusive environment for your growth and progress.

Interview Support

Prepare for interviews with confidence and poise, with our interview support services aimed at helping you showcase your talents and abilities effectively.