What Is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a UK Government grant scheme that helps you get or stay in work if you have a disability, health condition, or neurodivergent profile. It pays for practical support that goes beyond what your employer is legally required to provide — and you don't have to pay it back.

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The scheme that levels the playing field

Access to Work is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is available to people across England, Scotland, and Wales. It exists to remove the practical barriers that can make work harder for disabled people and those with health conditions — including neurodivergent adults.

The grant is non-repayable. You apply for it yourself, it is paid directly to cover approved costs, and it does not affect any other benefits you receive.

For neurodivergent people in particular, Access to Work can fund the kind of specialist support: coaching, equipment and software that makes a genuine difference to how you work, but that falls outside what employers are required to cover as a reasonable adjustment.

Official guidance

What can access to work pay for?

Access to Work can fund a wide range of practical support. What you receive depends on your individual needs and your assessment — there is no one-size-fits-all award.

For neurodivergent people, common examples include:

Noise-cancelling headphones and sensory aids

Equipment that reduces sensory overwhelm and supports focus in a busy or open-plan environment.

Specialist software and assistive technology

Tools such as text-to-speech software, speech-to-text dictation tools, grammar and writing aids, and task management apps that support working memory and organisation.

Neurodiversity coaching

One-to-one coaching to build strategies, confidence, and sustainable ways of working. This is one of the most commonly funded supports for neurodivergent people — and it's what we do at NeuroRocket.

Support workers

A job coach, workplace mentor, or other support worker who helps you manage your role effectively.

Travel support

Costs towards adapted transport or taxis where you cannot use public transport due to your condition.

Workplace adaptations

Physical changes to your workplace, including adjusted lighting, specialist seating, or workstation modifications.

Adjusted working practice

Funding to support changes to how and where you work — which may include recommendations from a Workplace Needs Assessment.

Important:

Access to Work does not pay for reasonable adjustments — these are the changes your employer is already legally required to make under the Equality Act 2010.
It funds additional support beyond that. If you're unsure what counts as a reasonable adjustment, our Reasonable Adjustments guide can help.

Support for Your Mental Health at Work

Access to Work also includes a separate strand of mental health support. If your mental health affects your ability to work, you may be able to access:

A tailored plan to help you get or stay in work
One-to-one sessions with a mental health professional

This is provided through approved providers — currently Able Futures and Maximus — and you apply directly to them rather than through the standard Access to Work process. Note that if you have previously received mental health support through Access to Work, you cannot apply for this strand again.

Able Futures

Maximus

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Am I Eligible?

You may be eligible for Access to Work if all of the following apply:

You are 16 or over
You have a disability, health condition, or neurodivergent profile that affects your ability to do your job or travel to work — this includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, anxiety, depression, and many other conditions, both physical and psychological
You are in paid employment, self-employed, or about to start a new job — this includes full-time, part-time, temporary, and contracted work. Self-employment qualifies if your earnings are above the Lower Earnings Limit (£559 per month / £6,708 per year for 2026/27)
You live and work in England, Scotland, or Wales
You have the right to work in the UK — you do not need to be a UK citizen

No. A formal diagnosis is not required. What matters is that you can explain how your condition affects your ability to do your job. Many people successfully apply without a diagnosis, and our free info sessions can help you prepare for this.

No. Access to Work does not affect Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, or any other benefits you receive.

Full eligibility details: gov.uk/access-to-work/eligibility

How do you apply?

Important: You must apply yourself. Your employer cannot apply on your behalf.

You can apply online or by phone. Someone can support you during the application if needed.

Apply online: gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
Apply by phone: 0800 121 7479 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)
Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 121 7479
BSL video relay service also available

Before you apply, it helps to have:

Your National Insurance number
Your employer's name, address, and contact details (or your UTR number if self-employed)
Details of how your condition affects your ability to work
Information about the support you think you need

Access to Work will contact you and your employer to discuss your needs. In some cases, they may commission a specialist workplace assessment to understand what support would help. Once your grant is approved, it covers costs up to a maximum of £62,900 per year. You or your employer may need to pay some costs upfront and claim them back.

Access to Work has been experiencing delays in processing applications. As of 2025, some applicants were waiting several months for assessment. Apply as early as possible — especially if you are starting a new job. If your application is urgent, contact the helpline directly.

Grants are typically approved for up to three years, with annual reviews. You can request a renewal when your award period ends.

Full application guide available at: gov.uk/access-to-work/eligibility

Not Sure Where to Start? We've Got You.

Applying for Access to Work can feel overwhelming — especially if you're not used to advocating for yourself, or if you're not sure how to describe your needs to a caseworker.

That's exactly why we run free monthly info sessions. In three focused webinars, we walk you through every stage: before you apply, preparing for your caseworker meeting, and managing your grant once it's approved.

They're free, they're online, and they're open to anyone — you don't need to be an existing NeuroRocket client.

Join a Free Info Session

How NeuroRocket Can Help

Once your grant is in place, or if you want support navigating the process, we are here.

Free Info Sessions

Monthly webinars covering the full Access to Work journey.

View dates

One-to-One Coaching

Neurodiversity coaching funded through your Access to Work grant.

Find out more

Workplace Needs Assessment

A tailored assessment that identifies barriers and recommends adjustments, often used as part of an Access to Work application.

Learn more

Reasonable Adjustments

Free guide: 20 low-cost adjustments any employer can put in place.