Access to Work: Your Guide to Workplace Support
Unlock your potential with government funding for workplace accommodations and assistive technology.
The Access to Work (AtW) scheme is a UK government initiative that empowers disabled and neurodiverse individuals to start or stay in work by funding practical support, such as assistive technology, workplace assessments, or support workers.
This comprehensive guide, created by Calling All Minds, provides everything you need to know about navigating Access to Work in 2025, with the latest information to help you access vital accommodations.
Quick Navigation
What is Access to Work?
Understanding the basics of this vital government scheme
Am I Eligible?
Check if you qualify for Access to Work support
What Can Be Funded?
Explore the range of support available
How to Apply
Step-by-step application guidance
Common Challenges
Solutions to potential obstacles
Get Expert Help
How Calling All Minds can support you
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a publicly funded grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support disabled people in England, Scotland, and Wales who are working, self-employed, or seeking employment. It provides financial and practical assistance beyond the "reasonable adjustments" employers must make under the Equality Act 2010.
Key Features
- Personalized support based on your individual needs
- Non-repayable grants - you don't pay anything back
- Supports neurodiverse conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia
- Covers England, Scotland, and Wales
- Awards can last up to three years
💰Grant Limits
Am I Eligible?
Quick Eligibility Check
Answer these questions to see if you might be eligible for Access to Work support:
Do you have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work?
This includes neurodiverse conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or mental health conditions.
Are you in paid employment, self-employed, or about to start a job?
You must earn above £542/month or have a written job offer.
Are you 16 or over?
There is no upper age limit for Access to Work.
Do you live and work in England, Scotland, or Wales?
Northern Ireland has a separate scheme. Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not covered.
Are you a civil servant or work for a government department?
Civil servants receive support directly from their employer, not through AtW.
What Can Be Funded?
Assistive Technology
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking (£150-£300)
- Read&Write software (£100-£200)
- Noise-cancelling headphones (£250-£350)
- Eye-tracking systems (£2,000-£4,000)
- Text-to-speech software
Support Workers
- Job coaches
- Personal assistants
- Readers
- Note-takers
- Communication support
Travel Support
- Taxi costs if public transport inaccessible
- Additional travel expenses
- Parking costs
- Mileage allowances
Communication Support
- BSL interpreters
- Lip-speakers
- Communication aids
- Video relay services
Mental Health Support
- Workplace counseling
- Mental health coaching
- Stress management support
- Wellbeing assessments
Workplace Assessments
- Professional evaluations (£100-£500)
- Needs assessments
- AT recommendations
- Workplace modifications
What AtW Cannot Fund
- Reasonable adjustments required under the Equality Act 2010
- Standard job equipment (e.g., basic computers)
- Support arranged before applying to AtW
- Equipment for personal use outside of work
How to Apply
Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet the basic criteria for Access to Work support.
Use our eligibility checker above or review the official criteria.
Gather Information
Collect workplace details, medical evidence, and support needs.
You'll need employer contact details, UTR if self-employed, and details of your condition.
Submit Application
Apply online, by phone, or by post with accessibility options available.
Online: gov.uk/access-to-work/apply | Phone: 0800 121 7479 | BSL support available
Assessment
AtW contacts you and your employer to discuss your needs.
A workplace assessor may evaluate your requirements and recommend solutions.
Receive Award
Grants are approved for up to three years with annual reviews.
You can request reconsideration if you disagree with the award decision.
Apply by Phone
0800 121 7479
Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Accessibility Support
BSL, braille, large print, audio formats available
Common Challenges & Solutions
⚠️Payment Delays and Backlogs
Challenge: As of October 2024, 55,000 applications were outstanding, with some waiting over six months for assessments.
Solution: Apply early, especially for new job offers. Contact the AtW helpline for updates or escalate urgent cases. Partner with Calling All Minds for application support.
🔄Application Complexity
Challenge: The application process can be daunting for neurodiverse individuals without support.
Solution: Use a Health Adjustment Passport to clarify needs with employers. Seek support from Calling All Minds' assessments to identify and document requirements.
💼Tax Implications for Self-Employed
Challenge: Self-employed grants must be accounted for as business income.
Solution: Consult HMRC or an accountant for grant accounting. Ensure expenses match grant income to avoid tax charges.
Get Expert Help from Calling All Minds
Calling All Minds specializes in helping neurodiverse individuals and organisations maximize Access to Work benefits through tailored assistive technology solutions. Our team, with over a decade of collective experience, offers:
🔍 Needs Assessments
Identify the right AT tools (e.g., Proloquo2Go, Time Timer) to support your condition. £100–£500, often AtW-funded.
🎓 AT Training
Workshops to master tools like Read&Write or Dragon NaturallySpeaking, ensuring seamless workplace integration. £200–£1,000.
📋 Application Support
Guidance on AtW applications, including Health Adjustment Passports and employer negotiations.
🤝 Ongoing Support
Follow-ups to optimize AT use and navigate AtW reviews or reconsiderations.
Resources & Next Steps
Key Resources
Next Steps
Apply for AtW at gov.uk/access-to-work/apply or via the helpline
Contact Calling All Minds for assessment or training
Stay informed via GOV.UK for AtW updates
Join neurodiversity networks for ongoing support
Ready to Get Started?
Don't navigate the Access to Work process alone. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.