Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Access to Work
Here at Lipspeaker UK, we manage hundreds of access to work bookings and we are regularly contacted for advice and support during the application stage. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you if you’re eyeing up a new job or starting a new role.
- Understand What Access to Work Provides
Access to Work offers support such as:
- Funding for specialist equipment or assistive technology.
- Travel expenses if public transport is not accessible.
- Communication support such as Lipspeakers, BSL Interpreters or Speech-To-Text Reporter.
- Personal support workers or job coaches.
You can receive funding whether you’re employed, self-employed, or about to start a job. You may also receive funding for a job interview.
- Check Eligibility
You are eligible if:
- You have a disability, health condition, or mental health issue that impacts your ability to work.
- You’re over 16 and legally able to work in the UK.
- You’re in a paid job, self-employed, or have a job offer.
- You live in England, Scotland, or Wales (separate schemes exist for Northern Ireland).
Note: Access to Work does not cover adjustments that an employer is legally required to provide under the Equality Act 2010.
- Gather Necessary Information
Prepare the following details:
- Your personal information: Full name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number.
- Details of your job or job offer: Your role, workplace address, and contact details for your employer.
- Health or disability details: Information about your condition, how it affects you at work, and the adjustments or support you think would help.
- Quotes for communication or language professionals (if applicable): If you’re applying for a support worker, you will, usually need to provide a number of quotes.
- Apply for Access to Work
You can apply online, over the phone, or by completing a paper form.
- Online Application: Go to the Access to Work website and follow the application instructions.
- Phone Application: Call the Access to Work helpline at:
- Telephone: 0800 121 7479
- Textphone: 0800 121 7579
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 121 7479
- Paper Form: Request a paper application by contacting the helpline.
- Attend an Assessment (if required)
Once you’ve applied, an Access to Work adviser may contact you to arrange an assessment. This helps determine the type of support you need.
- An independent assessor might visit your workplace to understand the barriers you face and recommend solutions.
- You’ll receive a report outlining the recommendations.
- Receive Your Decision
The Access to Work team will notify you of their decision and the support they will fund. They’ll include details of how payments will be managed.
- Employer contributions: In some cases, your employer may need to contribute to costs, particularly if you’ve been in the job for more than six weeks and the support is over a certain threshold.
- Your role in claiming: You may need to pay upfront for some items and claim reimbursement.
- Implement the Support
Work with your employer to implement the approved adjustments. In the case of communication support, you may be working with an agency to help manage your budget and bookings – it will be helpful to have them involved at this stage. This may involve:
- Purchasing equipment or technology.
- Setting up training for new tools.
- Coordinating and booking communication support according to your needs.
- Monitor and Renew Support
If your circumstances or job role changes, you can contact Access to Work to reassess your needs. Support is not one-size-fits-all and can be adjusted over time.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Be specific about your needs. Clearly explain how your condition impacts your work and what support will help.
- Document everything. Keep records of correspondence, assessments, and receipts for expenses.
- Involve your employer. Inform them early so they can contribute where necessary and facilitate the process.
- Follow up promptly. If you don’t hear back after applying, contact the helpline for updates.