Access to Work
All the things you need to know about the process to apply for Access to Work support from the government.
If you have a health condition or a disability, Access to Work can provide practical and financial support to help you overcome barriers to starting or keeping a job. Access to Work can also give practical advice to an employer.
How Can It Help Me?
Access to Work can help pay for support you may need because of yur health condition or disability, for example:
aids and equipment in your workplace
adapting equipment to make it easier to use
money towards any extra travel costs to and from work if you cant use available public transport, or if you need help to adapt a vehicle
an interpreter or other support at a job interview if you have difficulty communicating
other practical help at work such as a job coach or a sign language interpreter
Do I Qualify For This Help?
You can apply for Access to Work if you have a disability or health condition that has a long term negative effect on your ability to do your job (long term means lasting or likely to lat for at least 12 months) and:
you are aged 16 and over and;
you live in Great Britian (England, Scotland or Wales), and
you are already doing paid work, or
you are about to start work or become self employed, or
you have an interview for a job, or
you are about to being a work trail arranged through Job Centre Plus
Support If You Have A Mental Health Condition
You may be able to get Access to Work if you have a mental health condition and need support in work. To get this support through Access to Work, you must be in paid employment, or have a confirmed start date, and;
have a mental health condition which affects your ability to work
be aged 16 or over, and
live and work in Great Britain
You must also either:
need support when starting work
need support to reduce absence from work, or
need support to stay in work
If you are eligible you will be offered an assessment of your needs to help you cope with starting or keeping a job. You will also get help to develop a support plan, with steps needed to support you going to work, remaining in or returning to work. This can include making suggestions for reasonable adjustments at work.
To make a claim for Access to work you need to make contact with the nearest Access to Work Centre to where you live.
London
Contact this centre if you live in:
South East England, East of England, or London
Telephone: 0208 4263110 Textphone: 02084263133
Glasgow
Contact this centre if you live in:
Scotland,North West England, North East England, or Yorkshire and Humberside
Telephone: 0141 9505327 Textphone: 0845 6025850
Cardiff
Contact this centre if you live in:
South West England , Wales, West Midlands, or East Midlands Telephone: 02920423291 Textphone: 02920644886