Access to Work Grants
- Jess Percival
- Jul 6, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 12, 2024
Access to Work is an employment support programme in the United Kingdom that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work.
It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or physical or mental health condition, which includes people with ADHD (whether you have a formal diagnosis yet or not).
What is Access to Work?
The Access to Work scheme is a government grant that helps support disabled people in England, Scotland and Wales to stay in work or start work.
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support to help you:
start working
stay in work
move into self-employment or start a business (but not start-up costs)
Access to Work can be super helpful for people with ADHD, and many ADHDers use it to cover the costs of ADHD coaching (myself included).
Once you've applied, Access to Work will call you within 7 days to discuss your application, but it can take up to 6 months for your application to get finalised.
Who Can Use the Access to Work Scheme?
You are eligible for Access to Work if:
You have a physical or mental health condition or disability that means you need support to do your job or get to and from work
Are 16 or over
Are in paid work (or are about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks)
You live and work (or are about to start or return to work) in England, Scotland or Wales.
FYI, you can get funding from Access to Work even if you don't have a formal diagnosis yet.
What Can You Use Access to Work For?
Some ADHD specific uses of Access to Work include:
ADHD 360 has a great list of things that can help your ADHD at work that Access to Work may be able to fund.
If you're unsure what you'd like to get through Access to Work, don't panic! A representative from Access to Work can advise you.
Access to Work and ADHD
Access to Work is a fab, and hugely underused resource that can make a massive difference in the professional lives of individuals with ADHD, whether you're just starting your career, looking to maintain your current position, or venturing into self-employment.
Remember, you don't need a formal diagnosis to apply, so don't let that hold you back. From ADHD coaching to practical tools and software, Access to Work can help you create a work environment that plays to your strengths and minimises challenges.
Your unique talents deserve the chance to shine in the workplace, and Access to Work is here to help make that happen. Take that first step today – your future self will thank you!
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