Understanding the Access to Work Scheme

Every day, people with disabilities and health conditions face unnecessary challenges in their careers. Our society being the way it is, not a lot of help is available to make workplaces more accessible. And this is precisely what makes Access to Work (ATW) stand out.

Many people believe ATW is like some benefits and they wouldn’t be eligible because of their income or savings.

There are others who struggle at work because of an undisclosed health condition, not realising ATW could help even if they don’t have a diagnosis.

Others put off applying because they feel overwhelmed by the idea of figuring out what sort of help to ask for at work.

But when you learn the truth about ATW’s eligibility criteria - that it's a grant, not affected by personal savings, doesn't require a formal diagnosis, and helps identify the support you need - you will see a new path appear before you. A path where barriers are removed and support is tailored to your unique workplace challenges.

ATW is a grant scheme by the UK government designed to support people with disabilities or health conditions in the workplace. Whether you're employed, self-employed, or just stepping into the world of work, understanding ATW can be your first step towards a more accessible and fulfilling career.

Who Can Apply for Access to Work?

ATW is here to ensure that your health condition or disability doesn't stand in the way of your professional success. Here are the key points you need to know about who can apply:

If you're 16 or over and either in work, about to start work, ATW can help you. There's no upper age limit - you can get support at any age and any stage of your career.
You must be living and working in Great Britain to be eligible. Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands have different support systems in place.
Having the legal right to work in Great Britain is a must.
ATW is designed for individuals who face challenges in their job due to a disability or health condition. This includes physical, mental health, and neurodiverse conditions that impact your work.
Receiving certain benefits doesn't automatically disqualify you from ATW support. However, there are specific rules for those on benefits like Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disability Allowance. Read on to see if this affects you.

Eligibility Criteria for the Access to Work Grant

You are eligible for Access to Work if you do any of the below types of work:

Employed (full-time or part-time): Working for an employer and have a contract.
Self-employed: Running your own business or working on a freelance basis.
Starting a new job: About to begin employment or have a job offer.
Work trial participants: Engaging in a work trial arranged to assess job suitability.
Apprentices: Enrolled in an apprenticeship program, combining learning with work.
Internships and traineeships: Involved in work placements that are part of educational or training programs.
Supported employment: In a job that provides extra support because of your disability or health condition.
Receiving specific benefits: Including those who are about to start work and will stop claiming when employment begins.
On Universal Credit: Especially if you are working or about to start work.

Common misconceptions about Access to Work eligibility

When considering applying for Access to Work, many people encounter misconceptions that might discourage them. Let’s clear up some of the most common misunderstandings:

‘It’s a benefit, so my savings or income will affect my eligibility.’ Unlike some benefits, ATW is a grant designed to support employment for people with disabilities or health conditions. Your savings or how much you earn do not impact your eligibility for ATW support.
‘I need a formal diagnosis to apply.’ You don't need to have a formal diagnosis to be eligible for ATW. The focus is on how your condition affects your work, not on medical labels. If you’re experiencing challenges at work due to your condition, you're encouraged to apply.
‘I can’t apply because I don’t know what help I need.’ Not knowing what support you need isn't a barrier. Part of the ATW process includes an assessment to identify the specific support that will benefit you in your workplace. This means you’ll get help discovering what adjustments or aids can make your job easier and more accessible.
‘Access to Work is like Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It’s difficult and dehumanising.’ ATW works differently from PIP. The goal of ATW is to give you practical support to make employment accessible and sustainable if you have disabilities or health conditions. It’s about enabling your work life, not assessing your personal life. ATW aims to be supportive and straightforward, working towards getting the help you need without the stress.

If you’ve hesitated to apply due to these or other concerns, I hope this clarification encourages you to take the next step!

Who isn’t eligible for ATW?

While Access to Work aims to support as many people as possible, there are specific circumstances where you would not be eligible. Here’s when you might not be eligible for ATW:

Living outside Great Britain: If you live in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands, you cannot apply to ATW. These regions have their own support systems.
Not in paid employment: ATW is designed to support those who are working, about to start work, or about to enter a work trial. If you're not in paid employment or about to start a paid role, you might not be eligible.
Voluntary work: While volunteering is valuable and important, ATW does not cover support for voluntary positions where you are not paid for your work.
Full-time students not in paid employment: If you're a full-time student not engaged in paid work, you may need to explore other support options.
Certain benefits without intent to work: You are not eligible for ATW if you’re receiving specific benefits (Incapacity Benefit; Severe Disability Allowance; Employment Support Allowance, including National Credits only; Income Support as a result of illness) and there's no immediate plan to start work or a work trial. Exceptions to this include if you’re going for an interview; about to start a Work Trial; have a job to start and will stop claiming the benefit after you started; or you are on Permitted Work Higher Level, Permitted Work PCA Exempt or Supported Permitted Work.
Civil Servants: From April 2022, ATW no longer supports civil servants. However, Public Servants can continue to apply. Examples of Civil Servants include people working at the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Work and Pensions, the HM Passport Office, or the HMRC.
Business directors or self-employed people whose business is not viable: If you’re self-employed or run your own company, you have to meet the ATW Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) to be considered for support. The LEL for your turnover is currently £6,396/year.
Foster carers without a salary: If the money you receive for foster caring is solely for the child you’re looking after instead of being a salary that’s paid to you, then you’re classed as a voluntary worker and cannot apply.

Having said that, each situation is unique, and exceptions exist. If you're unsure about your eligibility or if you fall into one of these categories but believe you have a case for support, it's always worth exploring further or seeking advice.

Take the next step towards workplace support

Yes, some people never end up applying to Access to Work, held back by misconceptions about eligibility and the kind of support they could receive. But those who apply will find not just a grant, but a gateway to empowerment, inclusivity, and the chance to thrive in their careers, on their own terms.

I've covered the basics of ATW eligibility here, but there's so much more to explore and understand about how the ATW scheme can benefit you. I encourage you to visit my detailed page on What is Access to Work to get a better understanding of the grant and how it works.

If you're wondering whether you're eligible or if you're unsure about what the application process looks like, I'm here to help. Feel free to book a free discovery call with me. During this call, we can discuss your specific situation, clarify any doubts about ATW, and outline what the application process might look like for you.

So, don't let misconceptions or uncertainties hold you back. Explore your options, reach out for support, and take a step towards a workplace that accommodates your unique needs and talents!

What Makes Access to Work Different from Other Disability Benefits?