An Access to Work grant helps pay for practical support beyond those covered by an employer’s responsibility for reasonable adjustments to overcome barriers you face due to your disability or physical or mental or hidden health condition to help you stay in work or start work. This includes paid work such as Self-employment, Apprenticeship, Work Experience, Internship, Work Trial.

The money can pay for things like:

• adaptations to the equipment you use
• special equipment or software
• British Sign Language interpreters and video relay service support, lip speakers or note takers
• adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work
• taxi fares to work or a support worker if you cannot use public transport
• a support worker or job coach to help you in your workplace
• disability awareness training for your colleagues
• the cost of moving your equipment if you change location or job

The grant of money does not have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits. Certain benefits may affect whether you can get an Access to Work grant. If you receive Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support, you can still get help from Access to Work if you work more than one hour a week. If you receive Employment and Support Allowance, you can only get help from Access to Work if you’re doing ‘permitted work’.

You or your employer will buy the items or services you need.

Access to Work will pay the money back, up to the amount of the grant you’ve been offered and with any contributions (such as employer or NHS contributions) deducted.

For an Easy-read guide of this information, click on this link here.