Who is Eligible for Access to Work?
Are you ready to seize the opportunities that Access to Work offers? If you are a disabled business owner, you could save thousands of pounds with equipment, support, and resources, paid for you by this scheme. The support you receive is tailored to your unique needs, helping you thrive at work. Read this article to find out whether you are eligible and how to apply.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a comprehensive government-run scheme designed to support self-employed business owners who have disabilities or health conditions. It aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with accommodating your unique needs in the workplace. This could be anything from noise cancelling headphones to help you concentrate, a virtual assistant to help you with task completion, or a specialised desk that helps you work more efficiently.
Am I Eligible for Access to Work?
Access to Work aims to level the playing field by removing barriers faced by disabled individuals in the workplace. If you meet the criteria below, you may be eligible for:
a grant to help pay for practical support with your work.
support with managing your mental health at work.
To qualify for this support, you must:
be aged 16 or over.
have a disability or physical or mental health condition that means you need support to do your job or travel to work. You do not need to be diagnosed with a condition to apply.
be in paid work (or be about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks)
It is important to note that Access to Work is available for people living in England, Scotland, and Wales. Different schemes and programs may exist in Northern Ireland, so it's advisable to check the specific guidelines for your region.
Here are some examples of disabilities/health conditions that would require support at work:
a physical disability (e.g., deaf)
a learning disability or related condition (e.g., Williams syndrome)
a developmental condition (e.g., autism spectrum disorder)
a neurodiverse condition (e.g., ADHD or dyslexia)
a long-term illness (e.g., diabetes or epilepsy)
a temporary condition that changes your abilities (e.g., a broken arm)
a mental health condition (e.g., anxiety or bi-polar disorder)
How do I apply for Access to Work?
If you believe that you will be eligible, you can apply online or by phone, which you can find the details of here.
You will be asked to give your personal, contact and employment details, including your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number. You will also be asked about how your condition affects your work and what support you think you need.
Here is a guide to explain the seven steps of the Access to Work application procedure, so you know what to expect.
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.
