Access to Work

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a UK government program that provides support to disabled people and those with health conditions to help them start or stay in work. For neurodivergent individuals, this can include funding for coaching, mentoring, assistive technology, and workplace adjustments.
 

Access to Work can fund neurodiversity coaching - which is exactly what I provide at ND Transformative Coaching. My specialised coaching helps you thrive in the workplace by building on your unique strengths while developing strategies for challenges.
 

How Access to Work Supports Neurodivergent Individuals

If you're neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, or have other neurological differences), Access to Work can fund:
 

🧠 Specialist coaching tailored to your neurodivergent needs

💻 Assistive technology like text-to-speech software or digital notepads

🔍 Workplace assessments to identify helpful adjustments

🚗 Travel assistance if you cannot use public transport

👥 Support workers or job coaches
 

Am I Eligible for Access to Work?

You may qualify for Access to Work if you:

∞ Are neurodivergent or have a disability that affects how you work

∞ Are 16 or over

∞ Live in England, Scotland, or Wales

∞ Have a job, are about to start one, or are self-employed

∞ Your neurodivergence or disability affects your ability to do your job
 

You don't need an official diagnosis to apply, but it can be helpful to have evidence of your neurodivergent traits and workplace needs.

Scroll down for more information on how to apply and FAQs

Neurodiversity represented by an abstract illustration of a blue silhouette with an infinity symbol, set against a vibrant background.

Ready to transform your work life? Contact us today to discuss how neurodiversity coaching through Access to Work can help you thrive:

 

How to Apply for Access to Work Funding for Neurodiversity Coaching

Step 1: Prepare Your Information

Gather details about:

  • Your neurodivergent traits and how they impact your work
  • Your employment status and employer details
  • What support you think would help (e.g., neurodiversity coaching)

Step 2: Apply Online or by Phone

Step 3: Assessment Process

After applying:

  1. An Access to Work adviser will contact you to discuss your needs
  2. They may arrange a workplace assessment (in-person or virtual)
  3. They'll recommend appropriate support, which may include coaching
  4. You'll receive a letter confirming what support has been approved

Step 4: Finding a Provider

Once approved for neurodiversity coaching:

  1. ND Transformative Coaching can be your chosen provider
  2. I can work with you and Access to Work to arrange your coaching sessions
  3. I can support you in handling the paperwork needed for Access to Work funding

Neurodiversity Coaching Through Access to Work

At ND Transformative Coaching, I specialise in supporting neurodivergent individuals through:

  • Personalised coaching tailored to your specific neurodivergent profile
  • Practical workplace strategies to enhance your strengths and manage challenges
  • Communication tools to improve interactions with colleagues and managers
  • Executive functioning support for planning, organisation, and time management
  • Sensory management techniques to optimise your work environment
  • Self-advocacy skills to help you request appropriate accommodations

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Access to Work

 

Q: How much funding can I receive for neurodiversity coaching? A: The amount varies based on your needs assessment. Access to Work can fund up to 100% of approved support costs up to £69,260 per annum (as of 8 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

 

Q: Do I need to tell my employer I'm applying? A: Yes, your employer needs to be aware and may need to contribute to some costs depending on the size of the organisation. However, the specifics of your neurodivergence remain confidential if you wish.

 

Q: How long does the application process take? A: Typically 2-8 weeks from application to approval, but this can vary. I recommend applying as soon as possible.

 

Q: What if I'm self-employed? A: Self-employed individuals are eligible for Access to Work. You'll need to provide evidence of your self-employment, such as your unique taxpayer reference. Self-employed applications do sometimes seem to take longer to process though.

 

Q: Can I get Access to Work if I'm starting a new job? A: Yes! You can apply up to 6 weeks before your start date. This is ideal for putting support in place right from the beginning.

 

Q: Do I need an official diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or dyslexia? A: While not strictly required, having documentation of your neurodivergence can strengthen your application. This could be a formal diagnosis, an educational psychologist's report, or a workplace needs assessment.

 

Q: Do I have to specifically choose from the list of suggested support items recommended on my assessment? A: No.  Assessments will include 3 quotes for anything over £500. For example, if your assessment recommends the use of a digital notepad, you may have 3 specific types listed on your assessment, and you can claim funding up to the amount of the lowest cost item listed. However, you can choose outside of the list, and if the cost is higher, you can top up the difference yourself.

 

About Our Coaching Through Access to Work

 

Q: How many coaching sessions can I get through Access to Work? A: This depends on your individual needs assessment. Typically, clients receive between 6-20 one hours sessions over a period of 3-12 months.

 

Q: Where do coaching sessions take place? A: I offer online sessions via video call, either 1:1 or including someone from your place of employment such as an HR representative where requested.

 

Q: How quickly can coaching start once I'm approved? A: We can typically begin within 2 weeks of receiving your Access to Work approval.

 

Q: What if I need additional support beyond coaching? A: Your assessor will work out with you what specific support and resources will be helpful to you, such as assistive technologies or items such as a standing desk (if there is a physical disability hindering you from being able to do your work).

 

Q: How will my employer be involved? A: With your consent, we can have an initial three-way meeting with your line manager to ensure they understand how to support your coaching journey. All individual coaching sessions remain confidential.

 

Q: What results can I expect from neurodiversity coaching? A: My clients typically report improved work performance, reduced stress, better communication skills, enhanced self-advocacy, and greater job satisfaction. Goals are tailored to your specific needs and workplace challenges.

 

Q: Do I have to choose one of the coaching providers that are recommended on my assessment? A: No. Your assessor will generally include 3 suggestions for coaching, but you are free to choose outside of these options.

 

Q: Will I have to pay up front for the coaching, then claim back the money? A: No. You can pay me up front and claim the money back yourself if you prefer. However, I can also invoice you, and DWP will pay me directly for the coaching once you have made the application. 

 

 

How to Get Started

  1. Apply for Access to Work using the steps outlined above
  2. Contact me to let me know you're applying, so I can be ready to support you
  3. Share your approval with me once received
  4. Begin your coaching journey with a specialised neurodiversity coach

 

 

Additional Resources

 

Last updated: May 2025. Information about the Access to Work scheme is subject to change. You can check the official GOV.UK website for the most current guidelines.

To find out more and explore how Neurodiversity Coaching could benefit you, click the link to book a FREE 40 minute Discovery Session.

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