Access to Work guide
What Access to Work may fund, how it sits alongside an employer’s legal duties and how to describe the barriers that make work harder.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
Access to Work is an employment-support grant for practical help that goes beyond the ordinary adjustments an employer should reasonably make. It can support people in paid work, about to start work or moving into self-employment, depending on the current rules. The scheme assesses the barrier and the support needed; it is not awarded simply because a diagnosis exists.
Examples can include specialist equipment, support workers, travel support, communication help or mental-health support. The exact offer depends on the job and assessment. Applying early is useful, but urgent workplace adjustments should still be discussed with the employer rather than waiting for the grant process.
Describe the job barrier in practical terms
Instead of writing only “I have ADHD” or “I am autistic”, explain what happens at work: verbal instructions are lost, open-plan noise prevents concentration, fatigue makes the commute unsafe, or inaccessible software blocks a core task. Then describe what has already been tried and what would allow the job to be done reliably.
Use examples from a normal working week. The assessor needs to understand frequency, consequence and why a proposed item or person is connected to employment rather than general daily living.
Separate Access to Work from reasonable adjustments
Employers have duties under equality law to consider reasonable adjustments. Access to Work can complement those duties, but it does not remove them. Changes such as clear written instructions, a quieter desk, flexible communication or adjusted supervision may be possible directly with the employer, while specialist technology or support may involve the scheme.
What happens after the application
The scheme may contact you and the employer, arrange an assessment and make recommendations. Ask who will buy equipment, who owns it, whether the employer must contribute, and what happens if the job changes. Do not assume an assessor’s suggestion is automatically approved until the formal decision is issued.
Reviews, delays and unsuitable recommendations
Keep the application reference and record the effect of any delay on the job. If the proposed support does not match the barrier, explain why in writing and offer an alternative. Ask how to request a review or complain if the decision or service remains unsuitable.
How to explain the support need
This wording keeps the focus on work rather than diagnosis alone.
My condition affects the job when [describe the task and what happens]. I have tried [adjustments already attempted]. The support I am requesting is [item, travel help or human support] because it would allow me to [specific work outcome]. Please tell me what evidence or assessment is needed and how I can request an accessible contact method.
A practical checklist
- Write down two or three real work barriers.
- Discuss immediate reasonable adjustments with the employer.
- Keep the application reference and copies of recommendations.
- Confirm who purchases, owns and maintains any equipment.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
gov.uk
Open official informationacas.org.uk
Open official informationgov.uk
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