Access to Work: A Self-employed Guide to Disability Grants

The Access to Work disability grant is a valuable resource for self-employed business owners with disabilities or health conditions. It is designed to assist in covering the additional costs associated with accommodating your disability or health condition in the workplace. This guide will walk you through what Access to Work is, how the scheme can help you and what is involved in the application process.  

What is the Access to Work Scheme?

Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme helping disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition. 

REQUIREMENTS

What are the self-employment requirements I need to meet to be eligible? 

• You are about to start work or become self-employed. 

• Operating a business either on your own account or in partnership or working for an employer on a self-employed basis. 

• Operating a franchised business on a self-employed basis. 

• In possession of a Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number. 

Why Might Individuals with Disabilities Choose Self-Employment?

Self-employment can be an attractive path for individuals with disabilities for several compelling reasons. Let's explore some of the key motivations behind this choice:

1. Flexibility in Scheduling:
   Being your own boss allows you to set your own schedule. This flexibility is invaluable for those who may have medical appointments or need to manage energy levels throughout the day.

2. Control Over Work Environment:
   Creating a workspace that meets your unique accessibility needs is easily manageable when you work for yourself. Whether that's setting up a home office or modifying equipment, you have complete authority over your workspace.

3. Choice of Projects:
   Self-employment grants the freedom to select the projects or clients that align best with your skills and interests. This choice can foster a more satisfying and meaningful work experience.

4. Independence and Personal Growth:
   Running your own business empowers you to develop new skills and gain confidence. This sense of independence can be especially beneficial for those seeking to overcome societal barriers related to disability.

5. Financial Potential:
   While it involves risk, self-employment can potentially offer greater financial rewards compared to traditional employment. The ability to scale your work and choose high-value projects can lead to increased earnings.

6. Reduced Discrimination:
   For some, self-employment can reduce exposure to discrimination or biases present in traditional workplaces. Being in charge of your business can mean focusing on your strengths rather than facing unnecessary obstacles.

Overall, self-employment offers tailored solutions that can improve the quality of life and career satisfaction for individuals with disabilities.

 I’m over retirement age. Can I still apply? 

You can apply for Access to Work support if you are over retirement age and no longer have to pay National Insurance. In order to do so, you will need to have the accounts for established businesses, or you will need a business plan that has been completed to a standard that is acceptable for a bank or other financial institution to review, for example a plan for a new business. 

I’m a face painter/entertainer and don’t see myself as being a business. Can I still apply? 

A UTR and CV would be appropriate for self-employed applicants such as entertainers who do not necessarily see themselves as a business. This will help your case manager determine whether the business is, or is likely to become viable and therefore eligible for Access to Work support. 

An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support to help you move into self-employment/start a business. However, the grant is NOT for business start-up costs, including:  

• Standard items of equipment. 

• Support for fact-finding. 

• Attending courses, seminars or similar events.  

General Requirements 

• Have a disability or long-term health condition that means you need an aid, adaptation or financial or human support to do your job. 

• Have a mental health condition and need support in work. 

• Be aged 16 or over. 

• Be residing in and working in Great Britain - there’s a different system in Northern Ireland. You do not need to be a UK citizen, but you must live and work in England, Scotland or Wales to apply.  
   
  However, you cannot get Access to Work if you live in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man 

Condition Requirements: 

To receive support from Access to Work, you must have a disability or health condition that means you need an aid, adaptation, or financial or human support to do a job. 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.

In addition to these condition requirements, there are other eligibility criteria:

• You must reside and work in England, Scotland, or Wales.

• Applicants must be aged 16 or over.

• The type of work you are doing, interviewing for, or if you are about to become self-employed, can affect your eligibility.

It's also important to note that Access to Work might not be available if you are already receiving certain benefits, such as incapacity benefit or income support.

How Employers Can Support Employees with Mental Health Issues through Access to Work

Employers play a crucial role in promoting mental health in the workplace. Through the Access to Work programme, several strategies can be implemented to support employees struggling with mental health issues.

1. Access Professional Help

• Mental Health Sessions: Employers can arrange for employees to receive sessions with mental health professionals. These sessions can be tailored to develop effective plans that help individuals manage their conditions while remaining productive at work.

2. Develop Support Programmes

• Collaborative Programs: Partner with Access to Work to help design programmes that provide dedicated support for employees facing mental health challenges. These might include regular check-ins, stress management workshops, or resilience training.

3. Implement Workplace Adjustments

• Reasonable Adjustments: Adjust the working environment or hours to better suit employees' needs. This could be anything from flexible working hours to modifying the employee's role to better align with their capabilities during difficult periods.

4. Train Managers and Colleagues

• Awareness Training: Ensure managers and employees are educated about mental health. Providing them with the tools and knowledge to understand and support their colleagues can foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

5. Encourage Open Communication

• Supportive Environment: Create a culture where employees feel safe to discuss their mental health openly without fear of stigma or discrimination. Regularly encourage feedback and discussions about mental health to normalise these conversations

Available Mental Health Resources for the Self-Employed

Being self-employed comes with its unique set of challenges, making mental health support critical. Here's how you can find help tailored for your needs as an independent worker:

• Stress Management Techniques: Discover practical strategies that can help ease daily stressors. Resources like self-help books, online courses, or workshops frequently cover methods such as time management, prioritisation, and relaxation techniques.

• Navigating Social Anxiety: If networking and client meetings make you anxious, there are specific guides to assist. Look for digital communities or forums where fellow small business owners share tips and support. Consider joining online meetups or professional networks which provide a safe space to connect without the pressure of face-to-face interactions.

• Meditation and Mindfulness Apps: These tools can be invaluable in reducing anxiety and enhancing sleep quality. Apps like Calm and Headspace offer guided sessions that are particularly beneficial for maintaining a serene workspace, even during hectic periods.

• Therapy and Counseling Services: Platforms such as BetterHelp or Talkspace connect you with licensed therapists online, offering flexible options that fit into your busy schedule.

• Work-Life Balance Resources: Ensuring a healthy work-life balance is key. Blogs and podcasts often address topics like setting boundaries, scheduling downtime, and promoting holistic well-being.

By leveraging these resources, you can support your mental health journey while managing the complexities of self-employment.

I have disability benefits. Can I still apply? 

Any disability benefits you currently get will not affect your application. 

If you get Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support and work for more than 1 hour a week, you are eligible for Access to Work. 

However, there are a few benefits which may affect whether you can get Access to work. These include: 

• Incapacity Benefit 

• Employment and Support Allowance 

• Severe Disablement Allowance 

• Income Support 

• National Insurance credits 

FUNDING

What will an Access to Work grant pay for? 

You’ll be offered support based on your needs, which may include a grant to help cover the costs of practical support:

• Special equipment or software, adaptations, or support worker services to help you do things like answer the phone or go to meetings.

• BSL interpreters, lip speakers, or note takers.

• Help getting to and from work commitments such as taxi fares.

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

• A support service if you have a mental health condition.

• The cost of moving your equipment if you change location.

In addition to these practical supports, Access to Work can provide valuable advice and training to enhance your work environment. This might involve guidance on reducing or adapting your working hours, which can be particularly beneficial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your colleagues and employees can also receive training, fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Your workplace can include your home if you work from there all or most of the time. This ensures that support is flexible and tailored to your specific situation, making it easier to manage your work responsibilities effectively.

Does Access to Work Pay for Reasonable Adjustments Required by Employers?

The short answer is no, Access to Work does not cover the costs of reasonable adjustments that employers are required to make under the Equality Act 2010.

What Exactly Are Reasonable Adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are changes or modifications that employers need to implement to accommodate employees with disabilities. These adjustments can include:

• Physical adaptations to the workplace, such as ramps or accessible restrooms.

• Changes in work practices or hours, like flexible schedules.

• Special equipment to assist an employee in performing their job.

Employers' Responsibilities Under the Equality Act 2010

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are legally obligated to make these reasonable adjustments. This is a separate requirement from what it means to be 'registered disabled.'

Role of Access to Work

Access to Work is a government-funded program designed to provide additional support to disabled employees. However, it specifically states that funding for reasonable adjustments mandated by the Equality Act 2010 falls outside its scope.

In essence, while Access to Work can provide valuable assistance, it does not relieve employers of their legal duty to implement and fund reasonable adjustments.

It's crucial for employers to understand their responsibilities and the support avenues available to them, but relying solely on Access to Work for mandated adjustments is not feasible.

 
What Access to Work won’t cover: 

• Items that would normally be needed to do the job, whether a person is disabled or not, such as a standard computer and chair. 

• A diagnosis, such as a dyslexia assessment. 

How much funding can I get? 

How much you get depends on your circumstances. Each case is dealt with separately, so there is not a set amount for an Access to Work grant. The amount you receive depends on what is required to support you individually. The grant will only cover the support you need, so once you submit your application and they understand your needs, you will be sent an awards letter with the details of your grant.

For reference, grants awarded or reviewed between now and 31 March 2024 are capped at £66,000 per year. This cap is reviewed annually to ensure it meets the needs of applicants. The current cap (£66,000) will be reviewed at the end of this month. The money you receive does not have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits.

If you want your support to continue, you can renew your grant. Access to Work will contact you 12 weeks before your support is due to end, so you can apply to renew it. 

How do I access the funding? 

You will buy the items or services you need.

Access to Work will pay the money back, up to the amount of the grant you’ve been offered and with any contributions (such as employer or NHS contributions) deducted.

The individual makes the claim, rather than the employer, via the government website. However, some costs may need to be paid up-front by the employer and reclaimed later. Rest assured, the individual claiming Access to Work is not required to pay back any money.

What if I need to change my support? 

If you need to change your support, you will need to contact Access to Work to discuss the change, as this may affect the amount of your award. 

If your job role has changed, you can request that your award be reviewed. This can take place as many times as your situation changes, and you will still be able to get your award looked at again if you do not agree with the level of your reviewed award. 

Understanding the Access to Work Assessment Process

Navigating the Access to Work assessment process can seem daunting, but it’s designed to be straightforward and supportive. Here’s a clear breakdown of how it works:

1. Eligibility Check: First, ensure you meet the necessary eligibility criteria. This is essential for your application to proceed. Details about these criteria can usually be found on official government websites.

2. Application Submission: Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, submit your application. This can usually be done online or via mail, depending on local administrative processes.

3. Assessment Type: Your assessment will be either in-person at your workplace or conducted over the phone. This decision is based on the type of support you require.

4. Identifying Needs: During the assessment, a qualified assessor will work with you to identify any challenges you face in your work environment. They’ll suggest potential solutions that could enhance your work productivity.

5. Report and Evaluation: After the assessment, a detailed report is sent back to Access to Work for comprehensive evaluation. This report includes all identified needs and proposed solutions.

6. Grant Decision: Finally, you'll be informed about the result of your grant application. This will outline the support covered by the grant and how it can be implemented in your workplace.

By following these steps, the Access to Work programme aims to provide tailored support, helping individuals overcome workplace barriers efficiently.

You can apply online or by phone, which you can find the details of here. 

How can Admin and More help you? 

To apply to the scheme, you need to fill in a lot of paperwork, which can be overwhelming. Admin and More have launched a series of packages to assist you when applying for the scheme. We want to make your life easier so you can access the help you need. We can complete the application on your behalf so you can be reassured that the application has been done correctly.   

Alternatively, we offer guidance for specific sections of the application. This includes sourcing quotes and submitting payment claims on your behalf. Our team are available to answer any questions you have along the way.  

If you have heard back from Access to Work about your claim, but you are unhappy about the outcome of your application. We can support you with the initial complaints process, to help you get your claim reconsidered.