Is Access to Work a benefit?
Many people are unsure about the difference between benefits and grants. Some use these words interchangeably, but this can stop them from applying for the help they need, even if they’re eligible.
Daniel thinks Access to Work (ATW) will give him a fixed amount of money every month. He hopes to use this money for his child's new school uniforms.
Mary, who has a lot of savings, struggles at work because of her dyslexia. She doesn't apply for Access to Work because she thinks her savings will stop her from getting the grant.
Sam knows that Access to Work is a grant for people in work with disabilities or health conditions. They understand it's meant to help people stay in work by funding specific needs, not to cover living costs like benefits do. And they know just how to make the most of it!
IS ACCESS TO WORK A BENEFIT?
Access to Work is a UK government grant, not a benefit, designed to support people with disabilities or health conditions in the workplace. Available to those 16 or over living and working in Great Britain, it provides financial support for practical workplace adjustments, enabling eligible employees and self-employed people to work effectively.
Grants versus benefits
So what does Sam know that Daniel and Mary didn’t?
Access to Work is a special type of financial support known as a grant, which is different from regular benefit payments. Let's break down these differences in a simple way to see why ATW is so unique and how it helps people with disabilities or health conditions in their jobs.
What are benefits?
If Daniel needs help with his son’s uniforms, a benefit payment could definitely help him out! Benefits are regular money payments given by the government to help people with their daily living costs.
This support is often based on how much money you make, what you own, and your living situation. Benefits are there as an attempt to help people afford the basics like food and housing, especially when they can't work or need extra support. Examples include Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
What are grants?
Grants, like Access to Work, are different. Grant payments are given for a specific reason, either as a one-off or multiple payments over time. They are not about covering your everyday costs but are meant to help with particular needs.
Grants don't depend on your income or savings. Instead, they're all about giving you the support you need for something specific. There is so much ATW could offer Mary!
Why is Access to Work a grant?
Sam knows Access to Work is designed to help people with disabilities or health conditions get the support they need at work. This could mean money for specific work-related costs, like special equipment that makes work easier, hiring someone to help you, or covering travel costs if you can't use public transport.
The main idea is to give you support for your health condition or disability so you can work comfortably and effectively. It's about making sure you have what you need to do your job well, which makes it quite different from benefits that help with living expenses.
Yes, some people think benefits and grants are the same, which can lead to missed opportunities. But for those who learn about the amazing support ATW offers, it makes a real difference in staying in work and doing better than ever.
Who can apply for Access to Work?
Access to Work can support you if you have a disability, health condition, or mental health condition that affects your work. Here's what you need to know about who can apply:
You must be 16 or older and either working, about to start a job, or about to start a work trial. There's no upper age limit as long as you're employed or about to be.
You need to live and work in Great Britain. Unfortunately, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands are not covered.
Whether you're employed, self-employed, or about to start work, you can apply. This includes if you're starting a government-supported internship, traineeship, work experience, or an apprenticeship.
If you’re employed, you need proof you’re employed, and you have to receive at least the National Minimum Wage.
If you’re self-employed, you have to meet the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL), which is £6,396.
You need to have the legal right to work in Great Britain.
Generally, if you're receiving specific benefits like Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disability Allowance, you might not be eligible. However, exceptions exist, like if you're going for an interview or about to start work.
Does my disability or health condition count?
Under the Equality Act 2010, if you have a physical or mental condition that significantly impacts your ability to do daily activities or your job, you're eligible to apply.
Remember, you don't need to provide medical evidence to apply, but Access to Work might ask for some form of confirmation about your condition. This means you don’t need a diagnosis to apply.
If you meet these simple criteria, consider applying for ATW to get the support you need at work. For more detailed information on eligibility and how to apply, we'll have a full blog post coming soon! And in the meantime, you can always reach out to me with your questions.
🔊 Join the conversation!
Do you know anyone who has put off applying because they thought ATW has the same rules as benefits?
And what things would you like to know before you feel ready to apply? I’d love to address them in a future post!
