ACCESS TO WORK                      Click on the highlights in blue to take you to the appropriate website

 

1.

 

Overview

 

Access to Work funding can help pay for practical support in your job if you have a disability, health or mental health condition so you can:

 

• start working

• stay in work

• start your own business

 

How much you get depends on your circumstances.

The money doesn’t have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits.

Access to Work is only available in England, Scotland and Wales.

 

2.

 

What can Access to work help with

 

There is no set amount for an Access to Work grant. How much you get depends on your circumstances. The money can pay for things like:

 

• adaptations to the equipment you use

• special equipment

• fares to work if you can’t use public transport

• a support worker or job coach to help you in your workplace

• a support service if you have a mental health condition and you’re absent from work or finding it difficult to work

• disability awareness training for your colleagues

• a communicator at a job interview

• the cost of moving your equipment if you change location or job

 

Starting a new business

 

You can use the award to help start your own business in addition to support from the New Enterprise Allowance.

 

3.

 

Eligibility

 

Access to Work grants are only available if the employer is based in England, Scotland or Wales.

 

You must be 16 or over and either

 

• about to start a job or work trial

• in a paid job or self-employed (you can’t get a grant for voluntary work)

• on a work placements or unpaid internships

 

You might also qualify if you’re getting New Enterprise Allowance or starting work experience under a Youth Contract.

 

Your disability / health condition

 

Your disability or health condition must affect your ability to do a job or mean that you have to pay work-related costs. For example, special computer equipment or travel costs because you can’t use public transport.

 

Your mental health condition must affect your ability to do a job. It must also mean that you need support to:

 

• start a new job

• reduce absence from work

• stay in work

 

Exceptions

 

You might not qualify if you get any of the following benefits

 

• Incapacity Benefit

• Employment and Support Allowance

• Severe Disablement Allowance

• Income Support

• National Insurance Credits

 

Changing jobs

 

You can transfer your grant to another employer if you change jobs.

 

4.

 

How to claim

 

Follow these steps if you think you can get help from Access to Work.

 

• Contact your Access to Work centre.

• Print the Access to Work eligibility letter and take it to your employer or to a job interview.

• When an adviser contacts you and your employer, tell them about the help and support you need.

 

Find your Access to Work centre

 

Contact the centre that covers the area where you live.

 

You may need:

 

• your National Insurance number

• your workplace address, including your postcode

• the name, email address and work phone number of a workplace contact (eg your manager)

• your unique tax reference number (if you’re self employed)

• the name of your New Enterprise Allowance mentor (if you have one)

 

Contact details:

 

Access to Work

 

Telephone: 0345 268 8489 

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Textphone: 0345 608 8753

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Access to Work Application: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply 

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