Access to Work Scheme: A Guide for Disabled Employees

Originally published February 2024 | Updated October 2026 by Georgina Grogan

Starting a new job, or going back to work after an injury or a change in your health, is a big step. For Disabled people, it often comes with extra barriers: inaccessible workplaces, transport that doesn’t work for you, or equipment you need but can’t afford.

That’s what the Access to Work scheme is for. In this guide, we explain what it covers, who can apply and what to expect, followed by Ryan’s first-hand account of how it helped him get back to the job he loved.

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a government grant that helps Disabled people and people with health conditions start, stay in or return to paid work in England, Scotland and Wales. (Northern Ireland has its own scheme.) You don’t have to pay it back, and it doesn’t affect any other benefits you get.

It can help pay for:

• specialist equipment and assistive software

• support workers, such as BSL interpreters, job coaches or travel buddies

• travel to work, if you can’t use public transport

• adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work

• physical changes to your workplace

• mental health support at work

Access to Work doesn’t cover reasonable adjustments, which your employer has a legal duty to make under the Equality Act 2010. The grant covers support beyond that.

Who can apply?

You must be 16 or over, and in paid work or about to start or return to work. There’s no earnings or savings limit if you’re employed. If you’re self-employed, your business needs an annual turnover of at least £6,500. Voluntary work doesn’t count.

The maximum grant is currently £69,260 a year, but what you get depends on your individual needs.

Ryan’s story

Ryan is a long-time member of the Sociability community. You might remember him from our interview about disability and children. Here’s his story, in his own words.

Losing my independence

I was in full-time employment working in a school for many years, trying to manage my lifelong condition of Muscular Dystrophy. I had a routine and a sense of purpose that I valued immensely. That was until I had an accident at work, which resulted in me falling and seriously breaking my hip.

What followed was my life being uprooted and flipped on its head. I had to leave the job I loved and found myself unemployed at home for the foreseeable future. I went from being fully independent to suddenly having to rely on people and equipment to help me through my day-to-day life.

I also had to stop driving as a safety measure. Along with this, I needed to organise an electric wheelchair through the Buckinghamshire wheelchair service to help me maintain some independence and safety while moving around. It was a complete minefield to navigate, and the process took a huge toll on my mental health. I felt trapped, vulnerable, and scared of navigating a world that suddenly felt very inaccessible

Getting my freedom back

Over time, I found my independence was slowly returning with every new piece of equipment I received. I could safely navigate my outside environment solo in my electric wheelchair, but one major problem remained. How would I travel back into the world without transport for my wheelchair?

I contacted Motability to get a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) order underway, but because I was mid-lease on my current vehicle, I knew the process would be long. That is when I came across the Access to Work scheme.

I discovered that the government could help with the costs and support needed to get people like me back into employment. This was the answer to my prayers. I contacted Access to Work and was assigned a caseworker who put everything into motion. My previous boss was overjoyed at the idea of me returning to the job I loved so much.

The big return

Everything was in place and I had my starting date ready to go. It was still a daunting thought, going back out into the wide world I once knew and navigated with ease. This time, I had to rely on people I did not know to help me navigate if I needed it. I was travelling to work without my wife, who is my full-time carer, and the nerves were high.

I chose a local taxi company that specialised in disabled transport. The drivers were fully trained in safeguarding and ensured I made my way safely into my property before they drove off. As soon as I met my driver, my anxiety went out the window. I felt confident in his training and quickly built a friendship with him.

Once I returned to work, my colleagues made me feel right at home. The children all remembered me and made me feel like I was back with a purpose. I have grown in confidence and have no problems asking for assistance when I need it. I have found ways of keeping myself independent in my job and navigating the outside world with total confidence.

Some final thoughts

When returning back into the workplace after an accident or disability, it is also your role and responsibility to make sure changes are made within the workplace to help keep you safe. We can’t expect our employers to know exactly what should be in place, therefore using your initiative is vital.

Make sure there are foldable ramps in place if needed for fire escapes and entrances. Disabled toilets to be available to you if needed. Plus any equipment that needs moving from a higher level in order for you to access it at your preferred height. Think about all the things that would make your work life more comfortable.

Planning your own return to work

As Ryan’s story shows, Access to Work can make a huge difference. But it’s worth planning ahead, because applications are currently taking a long time.

Apply as early as you can

Apply as soon as you have a job offer or a start date. If you’re already in work, you can apply at any time. Some costs may need to be paid upfront by you or your employer and claimed back later, so ask about this early.

Know what your employer should do

Your employer still has a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments, such as flexible working hours or moving your desk, whether or not you get an Access to Work grant. If you’re not sure what to ask for, our guides on how to build an inclusive workplace and how to improve workplace accessibility are a good place to start, and they’re worth sharing with your manager.

Check the area around your workplace

Use the Sociability app to check access information for cafés and restaurants near your workplace, so you know where you can go for lunch or a meeting before your first day.

FAQ: Access to Work

1. How do I apply?

You can apply online on GOV.UK or by phone. You’ll need your workplace address and postcode, and the name and contact details of someone at work who can confirm your employment, such as your manager.

2. How long does an application take?

Longer than it should. Demand for the scheme has grown a lot, and the National Audit Office found the average processing time was 109 working days (about five months) in November 2025. Some new applicants have been told they could wait up to 37 weeks. Apply as early as you can.

3. Will Access to Work affect my other benefits?

No. An Access to Work grant doesn’t affect any other benefits you get, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit, and you don’t have to pay it back.

4. Can I get Access to Work if I’m self-employed?

Yes. You can get support such as equipment or a support worker, as long as your business has an annual turnover of at least £6,500.

5. Is there a limit on how much I can get?

The maximum grant is currently £69,260 a year. Most people get much less, because the award is based on your individual needs.

Find out more in the government’s Access to Work: factsheet for customers.