DWP benefit available to thousands with disabilities – all who qualify | Personal Finance | Finance
Access to Work is a hidden treasure within the DWP, offering a variety of bespoke support services to disabled people. This enables them to secure and maintain employment whilst accommodating their physical or mental health conditions or disabilities.
The types of support provided by Access to Work include:
The grant is able to pay for a range of support items and services like:
- Specialist equipment and assistive software
- Support workers, like a BSL interpreter, a job coach or a travel buddy
- Costs of travelling to work, if you cannot use public transport
- Adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work
- Physical changes to your workplace
The specific support you receive will depend on your condition or disability and how it impacts your work. Importantly, Access to Work support won’t affect any other benefits, and there’s no requirement to repay the grant.
However, either you or your employer might have to cover some costs initially and seek reimbursement later. Access to Work will not fund reasonable adjustments, which are legally the responsibility of your employer.
The scheme will provide advice to your employer if changes should be implemented as reasonable adjustments.
To be eligible for Access to Work you must:
Northern Ireland operates a separate system. The Access to Work scheme is not accessible in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Eligible conditions can encompass issues such as dyslexia, diabetes, epilepsy, temporary conditions like a broken leg or physical disabilities like using a wheelchair.
‘Paid work’ can include:
- Employment
- Self-employment
- Apprenticeship
- Work trial or work experience
- Internship
- Work placement
People can find more information and application processes online.
