How to Apply for Access to Work
Individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions can receive support to overcome work-related barriers through the Access to Work (ATW) program. This government-funded initiative provides personalised assistance, equipment, and adaptations to ensure equal opportunities in the workplace. If you or someone you know requires support, this blog post will guide you through the process of applying for Access to Work.
Step 1: Understand What ATW is
ATW aims to help individuals with disabilities or health conditions by providing funding for support in the workplace. The support covers a wide range of expenses, including specialised equipment, adaptations to the workplace, travel costs, and support workers.
Step 2: Determine Eligibility
To be eligible for Access to Work, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have a disability or a long-term health condition that impacts your ability to carry out work-related tasks effectively.
You must be aged 16 or over and living in England, Scotland, or Wales.
You must already have a job or be about to start one, including self-employment, apprenticeships, or internships.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Information
To streamline the application process, gather the following information before starting your application:
Personal details: Name, address, contact information, National Insurance number, and details of any other benefits you may be receiving.
Employer information: Name, address, and contact details of your employer.
Job details: Your job title, a brief description of your role, and any potential challenges or barriers you face due to your disability or health condition.
Medical information: Details of your disability or health condition, including any medical assessments, reports, or supporting documentation.
Support requirements: A clear understanding of the type of support you require, such as equipment, adaptations, or support workers.
Step 4: Submitting an Application
You can apply for Access to Work online or over the phone. Here's how:
Online application:
Visit the Access to Work website and complete the online application form. Provide accurate and detailed information about your situation, needs, and the support you require. Ensure that you attach any relevant supporting documents.
Telephone application:
Contact the Access to Work helpline at 0800 121 7479 (textphone: 0800 121 7579) and provide the required information to a customer service advisor who will assist you in completing the application.
Step 5: Assessment and Support Proposal
After receiving your application, Access to Work will assign an advisor who will review your case and arrange an assessment if required. The assessment may involve a workplace visit to evaluate your needs and recommend suitable support and adjustments. Following the assessment, you will receive a support proposal detailing the recommended assistance and associated costs.
Step 6: Agreement and Implementation
Once you receive the support proposal, carefully review it and discuss any concerns or modifications with your assigned advisor. If you agree with the proposal, sign and return it as instructed. Access to Work will then liaise with your employer to arrange the necessary support, including equipment provision, workplace modifications, or the recruitment of support workers.
Step 7: Reconsideration
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your result, all is not lost. ATW have a complaint process that you can follow if your claim has been rejected. The process consists of a formal letter documenting the decision you would like to challenge and why, followed by a call from the ATW complaints team.
Step 8: Review and Ongoing Support
Access to Work periodically reviews support arrangements to ensure they meet your evolving needs. If your circumstances change, inform your advisor promptly to discuss any necessary adjustments or additional support.
Do you need any help?
Applying for the ATW scheme involves filling out a lot of paperwork which can become overwhelming for some people. To help make your life easier and to make sure you receive the support you need, we can complete the application on your behalf so you can be reassured that the application has been completed correctly.
We offer a range of ATW support services from help with the initial application to sourcing quotes or submitting a complaint. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you apply for ATW, click the button below.
