Access to Work Grant: A Practical Application Guide
Access to Work is a UK government scheme that can help fund practical support for people who have a disability, health condition or neurodivergent profile that affects their work. This page explains how the Access to Work grant works, who may be eligible, how to apply, what the assessment process involves and what happens after you receive a decision.
It is designed as a general information guide. If you are looking for specialist one‑to‑one support rather than application guidance, please visit the Access to Work Coaching page.
Ready to transform your work life? Contact us today to discuss how neurodiversity coaching through Access to Work can help you thrive:
What is Access to Work
Access to Work (ATW) is a grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions. It is designed to help disabled and neurodivergent people remain in work, start work or become self‑employed.
The grant can fund practical support that helps you manage barriers in your role. This may include:
Access to Work is not a benefits payment. It is a support grant intended to help you work more effectively and sustainably.
Who Can Apply for Access to Work
You may be eligible if you:
∞ are aged 16 or over
∞ live in England, Scotland or Wales
∞ have a disability, health condition or neurodivergent profile that affects your ability to work
∞ are employed, self‑employed, an apprentice or about to start work
∞ need support to reduce barriers in your role
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to apply. However, any reports, letters or evidence that explain how your condition affects your work may help support your application.
What support can Access to Work fund?
Access to Work can fund different types of support depending on your role, your needs and the outcome of your assessment. This may include:
- Specialist one-to-one support, mentoring or strategy sessions
- Support worker or communication support
- Assistive technology or specialist equipment
- Travel to work support if you cannot use standard transport because of your condition
- Certain workplace adaptations or support that goes beyond what your employer is expected to provide as standard reasonable adjustments
The support awarded depends on your individual circumstances. Access to Work will consider the barriers you face and what practical support may help reduce those barriers.
How to apply for Access to Work
Step 1: Prepare your information
Before you apply, it helps to have the following information ready:
- Your job title and main responsibilities
- Your employer’s details, if you are employed
- Your work hours and contract type
- Details of your condition, disability or neurodivergent profile
- How your condition affects specific tasks at work
- Any support you think may help
- Any diagnosis letters, reports or evidence you may have
Step 2: Apply online or by phone
You can apply for Access to Work through the official GOV.UK website or by phone.
Online: Visit GOV.UK and complete the Access to Work application.
Phone: Call 0800 121 7479
Textphone: 0800 121 7579
BSL users: Use the BSL video relay service.
Step 3: Wait to be contacted
After applying:
- an adviser will contact you to discuss your needs
- they may arrange a workplace assessment
- they will recommend appropriate support
- you will receive a letter confirming what has been approved
Step 4: Attend an assessment if required
Some applicants are invited to take part in a needs or worplace assessment. This may be done by phone, video call or in person, depending on your circumstances. The assessor will explore the challenges you face in your role and may recommend support options that could help.
Step 5: Receive your decision
You will usually receive a letter confirming whether your application has been approved and what support has been awarded. If you disagree with the decision, you may be able to ask for it to be reviewed.
Need help with your Access to Work application?
Navigating the Access to Work application and preparing for your needs assessment can feel overwhelming, especially if you are already managing workplace fatigue or executive function challenges.
If you would like someone to help you prepare your evidence, understand the assessor's questions, or guide you through the process, I offer dedicated application support. Get help with your Access to Work application
What happens during an Access to Work assessment?
The Access to Work assessment is designed to understand how your condition or neurodivergent profile affects your working life. During the assessment, the assessor may ask about:
- Your job role and daily tasks
- Your working environment
- The barriers you experience at work
- How your condition affects concentration, communication, organisation, sensory comfort or energy levels
- What support may help reduce those barriers
- Whether you need specialist equipment, support worker services or one-to-one strategy support
In some cases, the assessor may ask you to provide quotes from support providers. This is common when specialist one-to-one support is being considered.
Choosing a support provider
If your Access to Work award includes specialist one-to-one support, you may be able to choose a provider that fits your needs. It is important to choose a provider who understands your condition, your role and the practical barriers you are trying to manage.
If you need help actually completing the application or preparing for your assessment, you can view my Access to Work application support.
If your award is already approved and you are looking for specialist neurodiversity coaching, you can learn more on my Access to Work Coaching page.
Frequently asked questions about Access to Work
Question: Do I need a formal diagnosis to apply? Answer: Not always. Access to Work can still consider applications where a formal diagnosis is not available. However, evidence that explains how your condition affects your work may help support your application.
Question: Can self-employed people apply? Answer: Yes. Self-employed people, freelancers and small business owners may be eligible for Access to Work support if they meet the criteria and can show that their condition affects their work.
Question: How long does the application process take? Answer: Processing times can vary depending on your circumstances, the information provided and whether an assessment is required. Some applications are completed within a few weeks, while others may take longer.
Question: Does my employer need to know? Answer: Usually, your employer will need to be aware that you are receiving Access to Work support, especially if support involves workplace adjustments or provider liaison. However, the details of your condition can remain confidential.
Question: Can I apply before starting a new job? Answer: Yes. You can apply before starting a job if you know you will need support. This can help ensure support is arranged as early as possible.
Question: What if my circumstances change? Answer: If your role, working hours, condition or support needs change, you should contact Access to Work. Your support may need to be reviewed or updated.
Question: Can I choose my own provider? Answer: In many cases, yes. If your award includes specialist one-to-one support, you can usually choose a provider that meets your needs and fits the terms of your award.
Official Access to Work resources
For the most up-to-date and official guidance, you should always refer to the GOV.UK website.
Other useful resources include:
- National Autistic Society Employment Support
- ADHD UK Workplace Resources
- British Dyslexia Association Workplace Guidance
- Easy Read Guide: Access to Work
Last updated: May 2025. Access to Work guidance may change. You can check the GOV.UK website for the most current information.
Ready to explore Access to Work coaching?
If you want specialist, neuro-affirming support to help you manage workplace barriers and work more sustainably, you are welcome to book a free 30-minute exploration call. This call gives you space to discuss your needs, ask questions and decide whether coaching is the right fit for you.