Access To Work Grant

An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support if you have a disability which affects the way you perform at work, this includes dyslexia and dyspraxia. To be eligible for the grant, you must be over 16 and either about to start work, in a paid job or self-employed.

Access to Work will pay 100% of all approved costs if:

  • you have started a new job and make a claim during the first six weeks
  • you are self-employed or run a small business
  • you work in a company with less than 10 staff members
  • you require a support worker/training

If you have been in your job for 6 weeks or more, your employer may have to contribute towards the cost of any software and training. The amount that they are required to contribute depends on the size of the organisation. However, one-on-one support training is usually fully funded.

If you think you need help, contact your local Access to Work centre. You, not your employer, must contact with Access to Work initially.

For London, call 0800 121 7479
or apply online at www.gov.uk/access-to-work

You’ll need to provide:

  • your workplace address and postcode
  • the name of a workplace contact who can authorise your Access to Work payments
  • your workplace contact’s email address or work phone number
  • your unique tax reference number (if you’re self-employed)

You’ll also need to explain:

  • how your condition affects you at work or getting to work
  • what help you’re already getting
  • what else could help you

To determine the most appropriate support (reasonable adjustments), a workplace assessment will be arranged with a workplace consultant. The assessor will visit your workplace and this gives you the opportunity to discuss the help and support you need. There is no cost for the workplace assessment. If you do not have a diagnostic assessment report, this may need to be arranged first. Access to Work may accept a good quality screening test for self-employed and some lower skilled jobs.

The assessor will write a report which will include three quotes for each support option. In most cases, as the employer has to pay towards the support so it is important to involve your manager from the start. It can also be useful to ask the assessor to meet with your IT department to ensure software recommendations are compatible with the corporate systems.

You do not have to use the companies that the report recommends. It is possible to choose your own and Access to Work will usually allow the switch if it is a reputable provider.

Contact Sara Kramer for further information