Ever Heard of Access to Work?
“Access to Work allowed me to access ADHD coaching, which completely transformed how I manage my workday and increased my productivity.”
If you’re an adult with ADHD, you could benefit from the UK government’s Access to Work (AtW) scheme. It’s designed to help overcome workplace challenges by providing financial assistance for a wide range of support services. From ADHD coaching to assistive technology and even virtual assistants, the scheme can offer funding up to £69,260 per person, per year.
Types of Support Available:
ADHD Coaching: Access to coaching that helps with organisation, time management, focus, and productivity.
Assistive Technology: This includes equipment like noise-cancelling headphones, task management apps, or speech-to-text software to aid focus.
Workplace Adjustments: Flexible working hours, the option to work from home, or changes to your physical workspace.
Virtual Assistants: Assistance with admin tasks and organisation, which can be critical for managing a busy workday.
Travel Assistance: If public transport is challenging, AtW can provide funding for taxis or other travel arrangements to and from work.
Fast-Track for the Self-Employed
If you’re about to become self-employed, Access to Work offers a fast-track process to ensure you quickly receive the necessary support. This is crucial if you’re starting a business and need adjustments or tools to get off the ground efficiently.
What If You Don’t Know What You Need?
If you’re unsure what kind of support would help you the most, don’t worry. AtW advisers will work with you to assess your situation and recommend the right solutions. They will look at your job role and how ADHD impacts your performance, then suggest the best ways to address those challenges.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for Access to Work, you must:
Have a physical or mental health condition (including ADHD) that impacts your ability to work.
Be aged 16 or over.
Be in paid employment, self-employed, or about to start paid work within the next 12 weeks.
Live and work (or be about to start work) in England, Scotland, or Wales.
You cannot get Access to Work support if:
You are a civil servant, as support for them is now handled directly by their departments. Exceptions apply for mental health support, which is still available
You’re doing voluntary work or your employer already provides sufficient workplace support.
Ready to Apply?
To apply, visit the UK Government’s Access to Work website here. You’ll need to provide details about how your condition impacts your work and what support you think you need. From there, an adviser will guide you through the process, helping tailor the support to your needs. Good luck!
