What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government support grant that is in place to support people with disabilities or health conditions to remain in work, return to work or to start work.
Access to Work can provide practical support and accommodations to individuals with disabilities or health conditions to help them overcome their struggles in the workplace or in their own self employed business. The grant from Access to Work can help provide support worker and coaching hours, specialised equipment, adaptations to the workplace or vehicle and support with travelling to and from work or during work.
The Eligibility Criteria
If you have a health condition, physical disability, neurological condition or mental health condition, then you may be eligible for Access to Work.
You will need to be either employed or self-employed in the UK. This includes apprenticeships and internships.
You need to be living in Scotland, England or Wales to apply.
You must require additional support, adaptations or adjustments - beyond what your employer is able and required to provide under the Equality Act 2010.
People often ask if Access to Work will affect any other benefits they currently receive. Access to Work does not affect any other benefits nor will it affect your Universal Credits.
It is important to note that:
Access to Work funding cannot be used for start up costs.
Funding amounts are dependent on circumstances Access to Work funding does not need to be paid back.
How to apply for Access to Work?
I am not going to sugar coat it - the application process is long, and can take around 14 weeks from the initial application to get any contact from Access to Work. It is worth the wait!
Firstly, you are required to submit an initial application through the government website. This is: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
You complete the initial form detailing your conditions, how they affect your work, what you currently do to help with your challenges. The form also asks what help you require from Access to Work. You need to have your UTR number on hand, and the form asks you to write a short job description.
You will need details of your work if you're employed, and your work address. They ask how many days and hours you work.
At the time of writing this the wait time for contact from Access to Work is around 12-14 weeks. Hang on in there, they will be in touch!
Top Tips
-Start early and gather documentation relevant to your disability or health condition, (you do not need a diagnosis for some conditions), job role and any potential workplace barriers you might face;
- Complete the Access to Work application form accurately and comprehensively, including details of any support required;
- Clearly explain to your employer how the support you are requesting will help you to perform your job effectively;
- Be prepared for an assessment by an Access to Work advisor if required;
- Remember to reach out for support and assistance with the application if needed. You only get one shot at that initial application;
My Personal Access to Work Journey
I applied for Access to Work in early July 2023, with the support of one of my colleagues. I had helped many, many clients apply but I couldn’t do my own application by myself. It created a big mental block which was really frustrating.
I waited just over 14 weeks to hear from my Case Worker and booked in a short call to go over my application. This initial call was mainly to go through my application and discuss my struggles and what I felt would help me. I was really nervous which I explained it to the Case Worker and the call definitely caused some anxiety and fear, but I would say - there was absolutely no need to be nervous and fearful.
On this call my Case Worker made suggestions of what she felt would help me and I asked for some specialised equipment. I was granted support worker hours and disability coaching alongside some specialised equipment. For the support worker hours I requested to use a Virtual Assistant I had been working with previously. In order to have this agreed I was required to submit 3 quotes which all showed a similar hourly rate. Access to Work have set rates for support workers and coaching . It really was straightforward.
In order for my award to be processed I had to provide them with a copy of my Tax Return that showed my turnover was above the Lower Earning Level. (It is worth noting that if you are a new business you can provide a business plan and cash flow forecast if you do not have a tax return).
My award is over £30,000 in value and has completely changed things for me both personally and within my business. Now, I have a support worker to help with accountability, my social media, help keep me on tasks and ensure deadlines are met. I have a remarkable tablet to help with notetaking and some noise cancelling headphones which help me focus.
I no longer need to struggle alone and have the support to ensure my business thrives and I do not need to return to employment to ensure the bills are paid.
Love and Support
Steph
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dynamicadminsupportwithsteph/
