Access to Work explained: the government grant most eligible people have never heard of
Access to Work is a UK government grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If you have a disability or health condition - including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or dyspraxia - that affects your ability to do your job, Access to Work can fund support that goes beyond what your employer is legally required to provide as a reasonable adjustment.
Most people who qualify have never heard of it. If you have a neurodivergent condition and it affects your work in any meaningful way, it is worth checking whether you are eligible.
What Access to Work can fund
The scheme covers a wide range of support:
- Specialist coaching - ADHD coaching, autism employment coaching, executive function support
- Assistive technology - screen readers, dictation software, ergonomic equipment, noise-cancelling headphones
- A support worker or job coach - someone who can help you manage day-to-day tasks or navigate the workplace
- Travel costs - if you cannot use public transport because of your condition
- A British Sign Language interpreter - if needed for meetings or training
- Mental health support - through the mental health strand of the scheme
Access to Work does not cover support your employer is already legally required to provide as a reasonable adjustment. It covers what sits above that threshold.
Who is eligible
You can apply if:
- You have a physical or mental health condition or disability - this includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, anxiety, and depression
- The condition has an effect on your ability to do your job
- You are in paid work, self-employed, or about to start a job within the next 12 weeks
- You live in England, Scotland, or Wales (Northern Ireland has a separate scheme)
You do not need a formal diagnosis. What matters is that your condition affects your work. The DWP assessor will ask about the functional impact, not the diagnostic label.
There is no upper earnings limit. The scheme is available to part-time and full-time workers, employees, and self-employed people.
How to apply
You apply directly to DWP. Your employer does not need to be involved in the application, although many people choose to involve HR once a grant is agreed.
The process:
- Go to GOV.UK and search "Access to Work" - the application is online
- A DWP adviser will contact you for an assessment, usually by phone or video call
- The adviser will ask about your role, your condition, and what support would help
- If approved, DWP issues a decision letter setting out what is funded and for how long
- You arrange the support - training, equipment, coaching provider - and claim back costs, or DWP pays providers directly in some cases
Before you apply: Be specific about what you need and why. "I have ADHD and I struggle to process verbal instructions in meetings - I would benefit from specialist ADHD coaching and access to dictation software" is more useful to an assessor than "I find work hard."
Your employer's role
For some awards, the employer is asked to contribute a portion of the cost. This applies mainly to equipment for larger employers. Smaller employers typically pay nothing.
DWP will contact your employer only to verify employment details or if the award involves an employer contribution. You do not have to tell your employer you are applying, though many people find it useful to involve HR once a grant has been agreed, particularly when arranging equipment or coaching sessions.
Common misconceptions
"I need a formal diagnosis to apply." You do not. The assessment is based on functional impact, not diagnosis. A GP letter or your own account of how the condition affects your work is often sufficient.
"My employer has to know." They do not. You can apply without telling them.
"It is means-tested." It is not. There is no income or savings test.
"It is a loan." It is a grant. You do not repay it.
How long does it take
Initial decisions typically take a few weeks from the assessment. Straightforward grants - software, coaching - can be faster. Complex cases involving ongoing support workers may take longer.
Once awarded, grants are usually valid for three years before reassessment. If your needs change, you can request a review.
Further reading
- GOV.UK - Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition - official application page
- ACAS - guidance on reasonable adjustments and employer obligations
- Our full guide: Reasonable adjustments at work in the UK: what you can ask for (and how)
- How to ask your employer for reasonable adjustments (with email template)
If you are job hunting and want to find employers already familiar with Access to Work and experienced in supporting neurodivergent employees, browse roles on the Neuro Hire Network.
