Advice | 47 Comments |
Access to Work
Access to Work – the scheme that funds the practical support necessary for the employment of someone with a disability or long-term health condition.
Apply for funding online at: gov.uk/access-to-work (external link will open in a new browser window) or over the phone on 0800 121 7479.
Be aware that there are long delays in processing claims and many existing claimants have found their awards reduced in an arbitrary way.
Access to Work, support for employment
This is a grant, which doesn’t have to be repaid, and won’t affect other benefits.
It can be used to help with obtaining employment or an apprenticeship; keeping a job; being self-employed (though it isn’t available for business start-up costs).
It used to be described as the government’s “best kept secret”, but applications to the scheme have increased dramatically in recent years, without sufficient extra resources being allocated.
Companies have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make “reasonable adjustments” to meet the needs of disabled employees. Access to Work is there to fund interventions that go beyond this.
How much can be claimed?
Since 1 April 2019, the maximum amount that people can claim is £59,200 annually. This can help to pay for additional support that they may need in the workplace.
Workplace adaptations, assistive technology, transport and interpreters are all included in what can be covered by the Access to Work scheme.
Last year, more than 27,000 people received support. This included adjustable desks, special IT equipment and voice-recognition software.
Support for people with mental health conditions increased by 34% compared to the previous year, and for people with a learning disability it increased by 22%.
Access to Work Tech Fund
The Access to Work scheme can help pay for assistive technology in the workplace to ensure someone’s disability or health condition doesn’t hold them back.
Previously, medium and large employers had to make a contribution to the cost of assistive technology to support a disabled employee. Medium-sized companies paid the first £500 towards technological solutions and large ones paid the first £1,000, with both paying 20% of the cost thereafter up to £10,000.
The Tech Fund now covers all these costs.
Some examples of assistive technology support
There are now more disabled people in work than not in work – and top new assistive technology developments will help make the workplace even more accessible.
• Live captions and subtitles in PowerPoint and Skype
Using AI, Microsoft launched live captions and subtitles in Skype in December 2018 and in PowerPoint in early 2019, making workplace meetings, conversations and presentations more accessible to deaf people and those who are hard of hearing.
• More features for app that helps people with dyslexia give presentations
Created by a student with dyslexia, Present Pal is software designed to help people with dyslexia give presentations. The app works on a smartphone or tablet like a set of interactive flash cards, and in December 2018 the company behind it received a grant to add more features.
Who is eligible for Access to Work?
Access to Work grants are only available if the employer is based in England, Scotland or Wales.
In order to apply, you have to be aged 16 or over, and:
• you have a job interview
• you’re about to start a job or work trial
• you already have a paid job or you are self-employed
• you’re getting New Enterprise Allowance
• you’re starting work experience
What about your disability or health condition?
To apply for an Access to Work grant, your disability or health condition must affect your ability to do a job, and mean that you have extra work-related costs, such as adaptive computer equipment, or additional travel costs because you can’t use public transport. Any health condition must be likely to last for at least a year.
Mental health conditions also qualify, if they affect your ability to do a job, and mean that you need support in order to start a new job, reduce absence from work or stay in work.
You might not qualify if you get any of these benefits:
• Incapacity Benefit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Income Support
• National Insurance Credits
How much is an Access to Work grant?
There isn’t a fixed amount – how much you get depends on your circumstances, though there is an overall cap of £59,200, since April 2019.
The money can pay for things like:
• adaptations to the equipment you use
• purchase of special equipment
• travel costs if you can’t use public transport
• a support worker or job coach to help you in the workplace
• a support service if you have a mental health condition
• disability awareness training for your colleagues
• a communicator at a job interview
• the cost of moving your equipment if you change location or job
Factors to be aware of
Although in principle, the disabled claimant isn’t expected to contribute to the cost of equipment or services provided through Access to Work, if you can benefit from it outside of work, they may well ask you to pay part of the cost.
For example, a power chair that you need at work can also be used at home, and that fact will be reflected in the financial settlement.
You can combine income streams, perhaps using a personal wheelchair budget to cover your part of the cost in the example above. Don’t forget to make sure that any pot of money you bring is deducted from your contribution, not from the overall cost.
How to claim
There is an Access to Work eligibility letter which you can download here (external link will open in a new browser window). If you think you may be eligible, you should take it with you to job interviews or to your employer.
Contact Access to Work:
atwosu.london@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0345 268 8489
Textphone: 0345 608 8753
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Postal address:
Operational Support Unit
Harrow Jobcentre Plus
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1JE
You will need to provide them with your National Insurance number; work address; contact details for your manager or employer; unique tax reference number (if you are self-employed)
Not happy with the outcome of your application?
You can ask to have your application assessed by a different Access to Work adviser. You can’t challenge the amount of grant you are awarded.
Article ends – click to return to top or check out related resources below
Further reading and resources
Resolution Foundation calls for Right to Reintegration
Disabled tech professionals facing significant barriers
Work experience is invaluable in gaining regular employment – Leonard Cheshire Change 100 paid internships for students with a disability
Support with Employee Health and Disability Service
IPES (Intensive Personalised Employment Support) is available to people with a disability who are far from ready to join the labour market.
How to have a disability friendly workplace
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47 Replies to “Access to Work”
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Can my wife claim a taxi to her work, if it is for the staff Christmas party, she is already in receipt of the access to work taxis.
Hi there
I have been awarded ATW grant as I have a back condition.
I have a diagnosis of ASD.
I contacted ATW due to unreasonable adjustments that were making my job impossible to do.
I have to work on two levels and therefore two ergonomic chairs were granted. One of the chairs is broken due to students and staff using the chair, adjusting it and using it as a table for folders and clothes.
My other chair, which is located in a tiny pod (and foot rest) is also being used by others for exams (during my absence) every day , again adjusting and adding wear and tear to what is supposed to be to help and support my condition.
Work know of this however, no interest or concern is shown and if I mentioned it I feel that they think I’m being fussy.
I am in receipt of UC LCWRA Group and PIP Daily Living & High Mobility Component of PIP.
I have the following conditions:
Borderline personality disorder, with bipolar traits, depression and anxiety. I take antidepressants.
Portal vein hypertension/thrombosis, TIPPS liver shunt with splenic stent, spondilolisthesis with pars defect spondylitis, radiculopathy, damaged sacroiliac joints, diabetes type 2, total urinary incontinence.
I am unable to stand or walk and need to use a wheelchair to mobilise.
I would like to return to self employment selling my bespoke themed AI generated prints from A5 to A0, wedding/birthday invitations, edible cake toppers, sublimation printing of badges, mugs, tee shirts etc.
I qualify for a vehicle under the Motability Scheme but require adaptations to a WAV, which I cannot fund myself.
I have a Disabled Blue Badge.
Would I qualify for the Access to Work Grant Scheme in order to fund WAV adaptations and support myself in the workplace, with ergonomic furniture/equipment and support from a mental health specialist?
I’ll also need adaptations to my vehicle so I can attend Craft Fairs & Car Boot Sales to sell my designs in the various forms outlined above.
Steven
Can I use a credit card statement as proof of my taxi fares
Hi am I able to use a work colleague for my taxis to work and them get paid ?
Hello Julia
I don’t think that would work, unfortunately! Taxis need to be licensed, so you couldn’t claim that a colleague’s car was a taxi. Access to Work wouldn’t pay for something that was not aboveboard.
Best wishes, Frances
My son has just started to use a taxi one day a week too and from work funded by ATW due to disability from a stroke. He lives alone and has a taxi from his house in the morning. however we would like him to come to our house for his dinner as he’s too worn out to cook himself a meal after working 8 hours. Will this affect his ATW taxi allowance. Its exactly the same distance from his workplace to both houses. but the reciept will show a different journey end?
I currently have a grant that I use for Uber to and from work.
I am about to (hopefully) get a mobility car. Can I claim petrol costs (per mile) on this. Can’t find anything online!
How did you arrange this with Uber? I’m currently trying to set an account up to be paid by access to work as I cannot cover the costs myself until they repay it. Is this what you done?
Self fund then claim back monthly. You might be able to create an account with a local cab firm rather then pay in advance?
will i be able to apply for atw if i have public transport anxiety? to have help with getting to and from work with a taxi or cab?
Hello Indiana
Help with transport costs is certainly something that Access to Work can cover. You can find out more and see whether you’re eligible on the gov.uk website – https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work (external link will open in a new browser tab or window)
Best wishes, Frances
Hi
I am self employed and have been awarded ATW for a job aide.
Am I able to employ a friend, partner or family member? I want it to be someone I feel comfortable with and is familiar to me.
Hello Janet
This is not my specific area of expertise, but I cannot find anything to suggest that you can’t use your Access To Work award to pay for support from someone such as a friend or family member that you already know and feel comfortable with.
Best wishes, Frances
Hi
My Colleague has applied for Access to work which can take up to 14 weeks before she has a reply. In the meantime she has returned on a phased return to work but has no transport. If she get a taxi to and from work, can she keep the receipts and have this refunded when she has been approved.
Thanks you
Hello Linda
There is no guarantee that Access To Work will backdate any payments, unfortunately. If your employer is paying for taxis for your colleague in the meantime, they may or may not get back the money.
Best wishes, Frances
What evidence do I need to provide like say for example I pay cash for a taxi do I need to provide evidence if they don’t provide reciepts etc.
Hello Tracy
Yes you will need to provide receipts or something similar to show how much you have paid, so that you can be reimbursed.
Best wishes,
Frances
I have a few questions Iv been trying to call them but no answer.
Do you know if I can use Uber for my journey to work or is there companies you have to use?
Do you have to send the receipts in the post or can you email and if you post do you need to put a stamp on it
Hi! This is a super late reply but you def can use Uber for it! Once you complete your trip you can take a screenshot of the order overview and Uber app also can give you a receipt and you can upload that digitally to their reimbursement service
Hi, my partner has been granted funding through access to work for taxis but has been told she has to use a local firm that’s registered to her local authority, and they DWP said she can’t use Uber.
However this is causing a lot of stress as the local firms are terrible. Do you know if there’s been a policy change around using Ubers, or if there’s any way we can challenge it? Ubers are also cheaper than local firms so would be saving the DWP money!
Hi Lara
From comments here, other people are certainly using Uber, so I don’t see why your partner should be prevented from doing so.
Once the trip is completed, your partner can take a screenshot of the order overview and the Uber app can also give a receipt which can be uploaded digitally to their reimbursement service.
Best wishes, Frances
Hiya I have been awarded taxi grant but couldn’t afford upfront costs can they pay the taxi firm direct ? Like on a contract
Hello Helen
Normally, Access to Work pays back expenses that you have incurred, they don’t give you money in advance. A couple of suggestions. You could talk to the taxi company and explain the situation, see whether they are happy to set up an account for you and provide you with a weekly invoice which you could submit to Access To Work to get paid. Or how about your employer? Could they pay for the taxi and then get reimbursed by Access To Work.
I hope you manage to work something out.
Best wishes,
Frances
I’m completing a claim form for AWT taxis to & from work & would like to know how to answer question 11 ( what is your contribution?)
I don’t know the percentage of the fare that I’m suposedto pay!
Hello Mrs Colman
Access to Work will pay 100% of eligible costs up to a cap of £60,700 currently, there isn’t a percentage that you are expected to pay. Your employer contributes according to how big a company they are. So the funding might be 80% Access to Work and 20% employer, for example.
Best wishes, Frances
I made a claim In late November 2023
For a taxi to work Grant.
It’s been 12 weeks now and still haven’t spoken to an adviser.
Is this the normal amount of time to wait?
Jonathan
Hello Jonathan
It can take about 12 weeks to get assessed – but you should have heard from them fairly soon after putting in your application. I would suggest that you phone the helpline to get an update on your application: 0800 121 7479 or textphone 0800 121 7579.
Best wishes, Frances
Hi I was wondering if you could help me with some information. I’ve recently applied for help with taxi fares to and from work as I have a disability and transport is not accessible in my working hrs. I’m awaiting to receive a letter application after a call for more information regarding my application. I have been keeping my taxi receipts. My question is do I have to provide any other info like proof of my disability?
Hello Carole
It is always useful to be able to provide additional information in support of your application. There should be details of what they would like from you in the letter you are waiting for.
Good luck and best wishes, Frances
Hi,
I am looking to make an application but I just had a question. I wanted to ask if it’s like backdated so if you get an award would it cover the period when you made the application or not?
Also are you able to make an application if it’s a casual contract and you choose your hours as it is with an agency you have to be in different locations? I’m not too sure if they would give an award for that.
Thank you
Hello Amina
Access To Work can pay for travel costs, if that is what you are considering, in which case you have nine months to submit costs for reimbursement.
It can also pay for equipment and adaptations, beyond what would be considered reasonable adjustments on the part of your employer – clearly that isn’t something that can be backdated.
Both employees and self-employed people can apply, so it shouldn’t make a difference that you are working for an agency.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi Just had my access to work interview – he was very helpful. I have had to sell my car as I can no longer drive due to arthritis in my feet and chronic fatigue. I have a blue badge. My employers and Access to work have agreed I need a taxi to and from work. Access to work say they expect me to contribute to the taxi costs too – is that normal?
many thanks
Tom
Hello Tom
This doesn’t sound normal to me – or at least I have not come across this before. What is normal is for employers to be expected to make a contribution. And certainly when Access to Work pays for equipment the expense is often shared with the user on the basis that the equipment will also be used outside of work. I’m thinking primarily of powered mobility aids here.
Taxi fares to get you to and from work sound like a very clear work-related expense, which should be funded as such. There is a cap on the amount a person can receive during the year, but you wouldn’t get anywhere near it just with travel expenses!
Best wishes,
Frances
How long should I be expected to wait to get my taxi fares refunded. I’ve been claiming for a couple of years now but I keep having to wait between 4-6 weeks. I send numerous emails during this time as it gets to a point where I literally have no money left. I can’t set up an account as I need to use several different companies
Hello Andrea
There doesn’t seem to be a specific time limit, unfortunately. It does seem ridiculous that even after two years of claiming, you still have to keep chasing them for the money.
I think it would be worth raising the issue with them, and asking them to put a procedure in place so that you get the money refunded promptly, without having to chase them up.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
I successfully applied for an AtW grant. My employer has refused to pay their contribution (they are a large, international company) so I am no further forward. I have resigned and am seeking Early Conciliation via ACAS. This is not what I need advice about. Rather, my question is this: how often does this happen? My employer argues that since I would not use the item outside of work, I therefore do not need it and can manage without it. My point is that my work demands different levels of activity than I am likely to do at home (like standing for hours, walking an average one mile per hour of work, and having to smile when I do it, despite extreme pain and fatigue.
I can’t find anything online about others in this position. I would add that my ex-employer made immense profits during Covid lockdowns, being deemed an ‘essential’ retailer.
Has anyone else heard of someone being awarded a grant only for their employer to refuse to participate and contribute?
Thanks in advance.
That is a really interesting question, Lyn. I am sorry to hear that you have been obliged to resign your job on this basis. Like you, I can’t find any other examples online, but I doubt that your employer is the only one to refuse to pay their share. As this is a legal requirement, presumably Access to Work does have a mechanism for calling them to account. It might be worth contacting the EHRC to get their take on the situation.
Good luck and best wishes, Frances
Hi,
Are taxi fares only paid for if it is a health condition which causes somebody to be vulnerable to Covid with regard to public transport? Or is it for any reason due to their disability?
I am unable to walk as far as my local bus stop so I cannot catch a bus regularly. I cannot drive. If I was to move back in to work I would have to catch a taxi to a work place – does this sound like something that this grant would cover the costs of. As it stands, I cannot afford to go to work due to the costs of taxi fares, even if my health improves enough to feel capable of doing so part time.
Advice would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
Emily
Hello Emily
It isn’t only people who are vulnerable to Covid who might be eligible for help with transport costs. Anyone whose condition prevents them using public transport may get help from Access To Work.
Best wishes, Frances
Hi ,
My daughter has just been awarded a grant but already the taxi firm need to increase the fare as fuel is going up. Will DWP increase her grant ? Do we just need to call them ?
Hello Helen
They won’t increase it automatically – I suggest that you contact them and explain the situation, ask that they take account of the increase in costs, and increase the grant accordingly.
Good luck and best wishes, Frances
What do I do if the taxi driver wants to increase is price due to inflation?
Hello Alan
I think this is something which is going to affect a lot of people. The taxi driver needs to be able to cover his costs and earn a living, and at the same time the payment you receive should be enough to cover the services you need. I would go back and ask for an increase, to meet the increased costs you are having to pay.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
Do I need to get taxi receipts if I get help with a grant to pay for taxis to get to work?
Hello Wayne
Yes – it is always a good idea to keep receipts for any expenditure like this which is grant-funded, so that the funder can be provided with evidence if required.
Best wishes,
Frances
Thought as much but I thought was best to check.
Thank you Frances.