What is Access to Work?
“I first used AtW in 2022 when running my sole trader business Dani Salmon Photography. I heared about it through word of mouth – it’s not well known or advertised!”
Eligibility
AtW grants are available if you’re over 16 and your employer is based in England, Scotland or Wales. There’s a different system in Northern Ireland. You must be about to start a job or work trial, or already in a paid job or self-employed. Unfortunately you can’t get a grant for voluntary work.
Your disability or health condition must affect your ability to do a job on a day to day basis or mean you have to pay work-related costs. For example, special computer equipment or travel costs because you can’t use public transport.
“I’ve just restarted my own AtW claim after launching Sparks and Flow”
What support might I get?
There is no set amount for an Access to Work grant as the recommendations of support are tailored to your specific needs. What you get depends on your circumstances. However grants are capped to a certain amount each year. For example for grants rewarded between 1st April 2021 and 31st March 2022, the cap is £62,900.
The money can pay for things like:
- 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
- adaptations to the equipment you use
- special equipment
- fares to work if you can’t use public transport
- disability awareness training for your colleagues
- a communicator at a job interview
- the cost of moving your equipment if you change location or job
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