Access to Work
About Access To Work
Access to Work is a government scheme designed to help people with disabilities or health conditions start or stay in work. It provides practical and financial support for individuals whose health or disability affects the way they perform their job. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects of the Access to Work scheme:
Eligibility:
To be eligible for Access to Work, you must:
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• Have a disability or a health condition (physical or mental) that makes it hard for you to do parts of your job or to get to and from work.
• Be 16 or over.
• Live in England, Wales or Scotland – not Northern Ireland
• Be employed, self-employed, or have a job offer (or be about to start a work trial or interview).
Support Provided:
Access to Work can provide a variety of support based on individual needs for neurodiversity, including but not limited to:
• Special Equipment: Provision of tools or technology needed to perform work tasks.
• Travel Assistance: Support with getting to and from work if you cannot use public transport due to your condition.
• Coaching: Services from neurodiverse coaching professionals to help manage work-related issues.
• Virtual Assistants: Support from a person to manage daily tasks like filing, inbox management, meeting notes etc.
Financial Support:
The amount of financial support available can vary based on the individual’s circumstances. It can cover the extra work-related costs that arise due to a disability. For self-employed individuals, it might cover the full cost of support. For those employed, how much is paid depends on various factors, including whether you’re in a new job or have been in the role for a while. It is not a means-tested scheme and does not affect other benefits.
