Access to Work guide
A simple guide to Access to Work support for disabled, neurodivergent and long-term health conditions.
Plain-English UK support. Calm steps, no shame, and no need to do everything at once.
Access to Work guide: the simple version
A simple guide to Access to Work support for disabled, neurodivergent and long-term health conditions.
This guide is for people who need support at work, during applications, or while managing health or neurodivergent needs. Start with one small action: check the eligibility section, gather one piece of evidence, then use the official or provider route linked further down the page.
Quick answer
Access to Work can help with practical support at work if you have a disability, health condition or mental health condition. It is not a replacement for reasonable adjustments, but it can sit alongside them.
If this feels like too much, choose one small step from the guide and leave the rest for later.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for employees, apprentices, self-employed people and people starting work who need practical support because of a disability, neurodivergence or health condition. It may be relevant for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, anxiety, hearing loss, mobility conditions, chronic illness and many other needs.
You do not need to wait until everything has fallen apart. Access to Work can be looked at when work is possible but harder than it needs to be.
What Access to Work might help with
Support depends on your needs. It may include specialist equipment, communication support, travel support, job coaching, mental health support, support workers or workplace adaptations that go beyond what an employer is expected to provide as a reasonable adjustment.
For ADHD or autism, people sometimes look at coaching, planning support, communication support, assistive software, sensory-related adjustments or help with travel if public transport is not manageable.
Access to Work and reasonable adjustments
These are connected, but not the same. Employers have a legal duty to consider reasonable adjustments. Access to Work can advise and may fund some practical support, but it will not simply pay for everything an employer should already provide.
A good approach is to write down what part of work is difficult, what has already been tried, and what support would make the task manageable.
How to prepare before applying
You do not need perfect wording. Start with a short list: your condition or difficulty, your job tasks, what goes wrong, what helps, and whether your employer knows. If you are self-employed, explain the work you do and what support would help you keep doing it.
Keep examples practical: meetings, calls, travel, written instructions, memory, fatigue, sensory load, hearing, mobility, communication or task switching.
What to do today
Write one sentence: “I need support at work because...” Then add three bullet points showing where things become difficult. That is enough to start organising your thoughts before using the official application route.
Common questions
Can Access to Work help with ADHD or autism?
Yes, if the condition creates practical barriers at work and support would help you get or stay in work.
Does my employer have to apply for me?
The worker usually applies, although employer information may be needed.
Is it only for physical disabilities?
No. It can cover physical, mental health and long-term health conditions, including neurodivergence.
At a glance
- Best first step: check eligibility and gather the most recent letter, bill or evidence that explains your situation.
- Good for: people who need practical, low-pressure support rather than a long list of jargon.
- Helpful next step: save this guide into Your Unique Support if you want to build a simple plan.
Routes can change, so always check eligibility and final wording on the official provider, council, charity or regulator page.