ATW Application help

Navigating the ATW grant application can feel like a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be.

You deserve nothing less than success, and together, we'll make sure you achieve it.

Your atw application, one step at a time

The Access to Work application process can be broken down to four stages, each with its own set of challenges.

Whether you're looking for guidance through a specific step or comprehensive support throughout your entire application, I've got your back.

I believe in tailored assistance, understanding that while some may just need a nudge in the right direction, others might benefit from more in-depth guidance.

Explore the stages below to see how I can assist you precisely where you need it.

Step 1 - your Application

This stage centers around the online application form where you’re asked to write about your condition and its influence on your work. The form then goes through the different support options ATW can provide, and you're prompted to evaluate each based on your needs.

The new style application process is comprehensive and requires some thought, especially if this is your first time with ATW.

How I can help

  • While I’m giving you a general overview of the ATW process on this page, people’s experiences will differ based on their unique circumstances.

    Together, we’ll look at anything in your circumstances and unique needs that might mean some extra preparations for you to ensure everything goes your way.

    Knowledge is power, and knowing the exact steps you need to anticipate means you can make the most of your ATW grant.

    Why leave things to chance when £66,000 and your job’s future is at stake?

    Guide price:

    £40/hour

  • Let’s be honest, we know the DWP is known for turning everything you say against you. Imagine how it would feel to know everything you say about your disability or condition is worded just right.

    With my guidance, we’ll make sure you're not just filling out a form but truly understanding the possibilities and advocating for your needs.

    We'll explore the support you need and make sure you’re asking for every possible resource that’s available.

    Whether we complete the application side by side or I draft it based on our conversations for you to submit, my aim is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for yourself.

    Guide price:

    £40/hour for meeting sessions

    £40 per application draft

  • Did you know you might need a business play to be seen as eligible?

    If you’re self-employed and you don’t have a tax return from the previous financial year that shows you earned more than £6,396 that year (known as the ATW Lower Earnings Limit), you will need a business plan to be eligible for ATW support.

    Your business plan will need to meet certain criteria to satisfy ATW.

    Let me take the burden off you and create all the necessary business documentation for you so you can focus on getting more done.

    Guide price:

    £80

Step 2 - your Assessment

ATW will contact you approximately 3 months after your application - this is the usual wait time.

During this stage, your ATW case manager connects with you, not only to understand any changes in your circumstances since your application but also to offer a detailed assessment of your support needs (even if you detailed them in your application).

This stage is arguably the most important one because it directly shapes the kind of support you'll receive from Access to Work.

Without adequate preparation, you might miss out on something that could help you or be presented with options that fall short of your exact needs.

Having a well-thought-out plan, tailored to your specific requirements, enables you to advocate effectively and ensures you secure the exact support you need.

How I can help

  • Once ATW gets to your application, you can expect a dozen phone calls and emails that somehow always seem to reach you when you’re not available to talk…

    Phone calls, emails, appointment setups, discussing your circumstances and your needs - it's a flurry of interactions that, while essential, can be incredibly overwhelming.

    That's where I come in.

    As your primary point of contact, I'll make sure that every question is answered, every appointment is scheduled, and every detail is addressed, all while keeping you informed without constant, overwhelming communications.

    Guide price:

    £40

  • Together, there’s nothing you won’t be prepared for.

    I'll provide insights into what assessors might ask, explain their jargon, and equip you with a comprehensive checklist of things you’re entitled to ask for in your unique, bespoke case.

    This ensures that nothing is overlooked, and you're well-positioned to secure all the support you need.

    Guide price:

    £40/hour for meetings

    £20 for comprehensive assessment checklist based on your needs

  • If you feel the thought of tackling the assessment alone is daunting, have no fear.

    I’m available to join you remotely, ensuring that every item on your support checklist is addressed, and every curveball during the assessment is handled with competency and grace.

    Just knowing you have an ally by your side can make all the difference (especially when that ally knows exactly what to expect).

    Guide price:

    £40/hour

  • Your employer may be contacted later in the process in Step 4, but this is the first time they may become involved, depending on your support needs.

    Broaching the subject of disability or other health conditions with your employer can be a very emotional event.

    By letting me play a part in these conversations, we’ll ensure your employer understands the benefits of your ATW grant, making the process a win-win for all involved.

    Guide price:

    £80

Step 3 - Grant is finalised

After your assessment, your case manager reaches out to you with an overview of the support recommended by the assessor.

These interactions with your case manager are your last opportunity to suggest any final amendments.

Once the grant details are finalised, there's no turning back.

Proactive communication is vital during this stage. It's your last chance to voice any concerns, correct potential misinterpretations from the assessment, or push the extent of your grant.

If you remain passive or hesitant, the grant could be finalised without your full input, potentially resulting in support that doesn’t quite meet your needs.

How I can help

  • ATW will sometimes ask you to find quotes for the specific support you’re asking for.

    While this is definitely a chore, this is also your chance to make sure your ATW grant is pushed to its limits and you get the best of everything.

    I'm on hand to make this process as smooth as possible.

    Drawing from my previous experiences, I can identify and secure quotes that reinforce your application and give you the best chances of getting exactly what you’re asking for.

    Guide price:

    £20/3 quotes

  • Did you know the average time to finalise an ATW grant after the assessment can take up to 3 months?

    This is because often, many little amendments will be needed before everyone is happy with everything, and that means emailing the case manager back and forth, over and over…

    Prolonged wait times can be stressful, especially when so much is at stake.

    With me as your nominated contact, I'll liaise with ATW, proactively seeking updates and ensuring that you're always in the loop.

    My goal is to simplify the process for both you and the grant administrators while making sure you’re 100% happy with your grant. Everybody wins!

    Oh, and if it’s up to me, things will absolutely not take 3 months.

    Guide price:

    £60

  • Did you know that by default, the number of hours you can have a support worker for is capped at 20% of your own weekly work hours?

    Do you know how to extend that to 100%?

    ATW is quite flexible in many ways, but you really have to know exactly what to tell them when you’re trying to get more than just a few hours of support worker help a week.

    I will consult you on the details that will make all the difference to you and complete the ‘Support Worker Record of Task’ form (aka the form with trick questions that determines how many hours of support worker help you can get).

    Guide price:

    £40/hour for meetings and guidance

    £60 for filling out the Support Worker Record of Task form

Step 4 - Using your grant

By this stage, you’ll have been working on getting support from Access to Work for at least 4 months (counted from the day you applied).

Once your grant details are finalised, you'll receive a letter from Access to Work detailing everything awarded to you. This is when the real work begins.

For those employed, expect your employer to be looped in, as they'll receive their version of the letter outlining the support they're expected to implement.

Now, the clock starts ticking. You'll be expected to source the necessary equipment or services, communicate with suppliers, and make every purchase, all within a 13-week deadline.

While there isn't a specific deadline for hiring support workers, finding the right fit can be a task in itself.

This stage is heavily administrative. While Access to Work has an online portal, it's a work in progress, making the claiming process mostly paper-based.

It's a stage that demands attention, heavy organisation skills, and perseverance.

How I can help

  • If you’re employed, it is your employer who will have to buy any special equipment for you.

    Unfortunately, most employers are woefully underprepared for their ATW-related responsibilities, and it’s you who’ll suffer the consequences.

    Set yourself and your boss up for success by having me lay out everything your employer needs to know, along with giving advice on best practices and top tips.

    With my help, your employer will know exactly what to do, and how to do it. Claiming back money, using their own suppliers, understanding timeframes and deadlines - I got it all covered!

    Guide price:

    £80

  • Once your ATW grant is secured, the real work begins. From coordinating with support providers to ordering equipment, the tasks can seem endless.

    Lean on me to manage your grant’s execution, ensuring you get timely support without the administrative headache.

    I’ll prepare a comprehensive purchase plan for you that’s guaranteed to succeed within your 12-week deadline.

    After that, you can take things away yourself, or you can continue working with me so I can coordinate every purchase for you to make sure things stay on track.

    I’ll handle all phone calls, emails, and purchase forms. If you’re employed, I’ll gladly work with your employer to make life easier for everyone.

    Guide price:

    £40 for comprehensive purchase plan only

    £120 for purchase plan + full implementation

  • Getting an ATW grant is all fun and games until you realise you’re now responsible for assessing your needs, creating a job advert based on that, scheduling interviews, meeting potential candidates, and making some potentially life-changing decisions.

    Having the right support worker by your side can unlock tremendous potential in you.

    If you work with me, I’ll take care of advertising the job, shortlisting candidates, and scheduling interviews, so all you have to do is meet some lovely people and find your match.

    With 5 years of experience in recruiting, I’ll gladly join the interviews too so you have someone with experience to bounce your impressions off and make an informed final decision.

    Guide price:

    £60 for creating a job advert after exploring your unique needs for support

    £80 for shortlisting candidates and scheduling interviews

    £60/interview attended with detailed feedback of the interviewed candidate

  • The last thing anyone needs is a delay in reimbursement due to what I affectionately call ‘bureaucratic hell’.

    The easiest way to get support from ATW is to pay for things out of pocket, then claim the funds back from ATW.

    But did you put the wrong date down? 2-month delay.

    You used the wrong form? The worst I saw was a 4-month delay.

    Did you declare the wrong amount to claim? Go straight to jail. (Ok not really, but do you want to risk it?)

    Navigating claim forms with the DWP can be tricky, but with my experience, we'll ensure every detail is perfect, speeding up the claiming process and making sure you’re never out of pocket.

    Guide prices:

    £20/form

    £40 for a bespoke education session - learn how to fill out the forms that are relevant to you

Each ATW journey is unique.

book a meeting to assess your needs and get your tailored quote.

Experience Comprehensive Support that is

  • Proactive

    With years of experience, I’ll anticipate potential problems from the beginning.

    With strategies and an actionable plan in place, your application will move smoothly through every step.

  • Inclusive

    This is more than just completing an application — it's about advocating for support that will help you thrive at work.

    With me by your side, we won’t settle for support that doesn’t fully meet your needs.

  • Reassuring

    Feel the confidence of having an experienced guide by your side.

    Every step, every question, every form — I'll be there with you.

no matter where you are in your atw journey, i’m here to guide you

FREE exploratory chat

Considering the ATW grant? Whether you're an individual navigating your first application, an employer aiming to support your team, or anywhere in between, let's have a chat.

  • No-obligation, friendly chat

  • Explore how I can assist you with your ATW grant

  • Take the first step towards clarity and confidence

  • Helpful tips and tricks for navigating your unique journey

FAQs

  • My guide prices reflect the amount of preparation and context required for me to best assist you.

    You’ll save money if you work with me from the start. Working with me from Step 1 ensures I'm familiar with your situation, allowing me to offer services from each subsequent stage of support cheaper than the guide price. This is because I'll already have the necessary context to guide you efficiently.

    If I join you at a later stage, it will require more time for me to catch up and understand your unique case history, making the cost of those services closer to the guide price.

    For a precise quote tailored to your needs, I encourage you to reach out directly.

  • Absolutely! I’m here to guide you wherever you might be on your ATW journey.

  • I offer free no-commitment initial meetings where I explore your unique needs. I can help you understand what your ATW journey might look like and guide you towards the services you would benefit from the most.

  • Yes I do! Because a significant portion of the guide prices account for preparation time and familiarising myself with your case, if you use any service from Step 1 or Step 2, I can offer services from Step 3 and Step 4 at a 20% discount.

  • The process duration will vary based on a lot of different things. However, the single biggest cause of delays is communication.

    I came across case managers who went full radio silence, effectively going missing in action. If you let things run their natural course, it will take months before ATW assigns a new one.

    In other cases, the client was unavailable every time the case manager tried to reach them, setting their case back by weeks.

    Are you getting an unusually expensive thing awarded to you? There will be weeks of delay while your case manager gets that approved by their manager.

    Without proactively prompting ATW to get back to you about things, you’re looking at an average of 7 months from start to finish.

  • Yes of course! Whether your circumstances changed, your grant is up for renewal, or you simply have some questions, I’m here to guide you on the next steps and make sure you’re on the right track.

  • Absolutely! While my consultancy's primary expertise revolves around neurodiverse conditions like autism, ADHD, C-PTSD, OCD, or dyslexia, I've also successfully secured grants for individuals with hypermobility, chronic pain, and fatigue.

    If your condition isn't specifically neurodiverse or one of the physical conditions I've mentioned, you're still welcome to reach out and we can discuss how I can best support you.

  • Absolutely, you can apply for Access to Work independently. Many individuals do successfully navigate the process on their own.

    However, if you have complex needs covering different support types, or are seeking a support worker, things might get complicated.

    Additionally, if your employer requires a clear understanding of Access to Work, or if you anticipate challenges from them, having expert support can be invaluable.

    While applying on your own is certainly an option, getting advice can streamline the process for you and ensure you're fully maximising your grant.

  • Understanding the difference between getting the capped weekly hours and successfully extending them has been my chief interest ever since I started learning about Access to Work.

    While I only recently took the jump to start consulting, I've successfully navigated the process of securing extended support worker hours for every application I worked on. However, it's crucial to mention that for each of these cases, those clients worked with me from the very beginning of their grant application.

    Your chances of success unfortunately fall drastically if you engage my services after you already spoke to your case manager or assessor about your support worker needs.

    While I'm confident in my ability to assist with extending your support worker’s hours, it's crucial to understand that the best chances of success come when I can assist your case from the start.

    In fact, if we don't secure the hours you need after working with me from Step 1 of your case, I commit to refunding every penny you paid for my services.

  • Definitely! Renewals can be very similar to new applications, especially if your circumstances have changed since you originally applied.

    Renewals can be your chance to get extra support you maybe didn’t think of in your original application, and I’m here to make sure you get everything you need.