157,000
Access to Work applications in 2024-25, up from 76,100 in 2018-19
Updated May 2026
Access to Work 2026: funding, eligibility and workplace support
Access to Work is a UK Government scheme that can help disabled people and people with physical or mental health conditions get into work, stay in work or return to work.
It can provide practical and financial support with assistive technology, support workers, travel, communication support, mental health support and changes to the workplace.
This guide has been updated for May 2026 and is designed to help employees, employers and self-employed people understand the scheme clearly.
What can Access to Work help with?
Access to Work may help pay for or arrange support such as:
- specialist equipment and assistive software
- assistive technology training
- support workers, job coaches, note takers or communication support
- travel to work if public transport is not accessible for you
- vehicle adaptations and physical workplace changes
- support with managing mental health at work
- communication support at job interviews
- support for hybrid or home working, where this is part of your work
Access to Work support depends on your circumstances, your role and the barriers you experience at work.
Maximum funding available
Up to £69,260 per year
The actual amount you receive depends on your individual circumstances and support needs.
Important note about reasonable adjustments
Access to Work does not replace an employer’s legal duty to make reasonable adjustments. It can sit alongside workplace adjustments, but it will not normally pay for changes your employer is legally required to provide.
If you are an employer reviewing how adjustments are identified, recorded or delivered, see our workplace needs assessments and AXS Passport.
Choose the guide you need
Find the right next step
This hub is designed as a route finder. Use the cards below to move to the most useful next page as the full Access to Work resource cluster is built out.
I want to know if I can apply
Start with eligibility if you are unsure whether Access to Work applies to your situation.
Read the eligibility guideI want to know what can be funded
Explore the kinds of practical support that Access to Work may consider.
Read the funding guideI want to apply
Prepare a clear application by connecting barriers to practical support needs.
Read how to applyI am waiting and worried about delays
Understand current delays and what employees and employers can do while waiting.
Read the delays guideI am an employer or HR lead
Learn how Access to Work fits alongside reasonable adjustments and internal processes.
Read the employer guideGuidance only
Quick Access to Work eligibility check
Answer a few simple questions to see whether Access to Work may be relevant. This is not a decision from DWP.
Privacy note
This checker does not collect personal data, store your answers or ask for a diagnosis.
Question 1 of 617% complete
Estimate only
Access to Work funding calculator
Get an estimate of how much Access to Work might fund based on your role, support needs and workplace setup.
Important note
This is an estimate only. Actual funding depends on your individual circumstances and a DWP assessment.
Access to Work in numbers
Demand has increased sharply.
The National Audit Office reported significant growth in applications, processing times and applications waiting for decisions. Employees and employers should apply early, keep records and avoid waiting until work has become unsustainable.
109 days
average processing time reported by the NAO for November 2025
62,100
applications waiting for a DWP decision in March 2025
How Calling All Minds can help
Turn workplace barriers into practical support.
Many people know that work is harder than it should be, but they do not always know what support to ask for.
Calling All Minds helps disabled and neurodivergent employees, managers and organisations understand barriers and turn them into practical workplace action.
Useful when you need clarity
A workplace needs assessment can help identify barriers, connect them to practical recommendations, and support either an Access to Work application or an employer’s internal adjustment process.
Connected workplace and accessibility support
These services are linked at the point where they may help users solve a practical problem, rather than being placed only at the end of the page.
Access to Work Support Guides
Explore coaching, assistive technology training, workplace assessments and after-report support routes.
Learn moreWorkplace Needs Assessments
Identify barriers clearly and turn them into practical recommendations for work.
Learn moreAssistive Technology Training
Help employees use approved software and equipment confidently in real tasks.
Learn moreNeurodiversity Coaching
Support workplace strategies, confidence, communication and sustainable ways of working.
Learn moreAXS Toolbar
Improve digital clarity, reading support and cognitive access across websites.
Learn moreAXS Audit
Find WCAG issues, cognitive barriers and usability friction in digital experiences.
Learn moreAXS Passport
Create a structured way to communicate, record and review workplace adjustments.
Learn moreNHS Access to Work Guide
Specialist Access to Work guidance for NHS healthcare professionals.
Learn morePage review information
Last reviewed: May 2026. Next review due: August 2026.
Sources checked
- GOV.UK Access to Work main guide
- GOV.UK customer factsheet, updated 5 May 2026
- National Audit Office Access to Work press release, February 2026
Reviewed by
Calling All Minds workplace inclusion and assistive technology specialists.
Quick answers
Access to Work FAQs
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a UK Government scheme that can help disabled people and people with physical or mental health conditions get into work, stay in work or return to work.
What can Access to Work help with?
It may help with practical support such as assistive technology, specialist equipment, support workers, travel support, workplace adaptations, mental health support and communication support at job interviews.
Does Access to Work replace reasonable adjustments?
No. Access to Work does not replace an employer’s legal duty to make reasonable adjustments. It can sit alongside workplace adjustments, but it will not normally pay for changes an employer is legally required to provide.
Can Access to Work support neurodivergent employees?
Access to Work may be relevant for neurodivergent employees if ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or another neurodivergent profile affects work, travel to work or communication at interview.
Need help identifying workplace support?
If you are unsure what support to ask for, Calling All Minds can help identify workplace barriers and recommend practical next steps.