How long does Access to Work take in 2026?
Processing times vary. The National Audit Office reported average processing time of 66 days in 2024-25 and 109 days in November 2025.
Delays guide
Access to Work delays 2026: what to do while you wait
Access to Work delays can be stressful, especially when support is needed to start work, stay in work or prevent a role becoming unsustainable.
This guide explains what is happening and what employees and employers can do while waiting.
Quick answer
If you are waiting, keep records and ask for interim support.
If you are waiting, keep records and ask for interim support.
Access to Work delays can be stressful. You cannot guarantee a faster DWP decision, but you can keep a clear timeline, explain risk, and ask your employer to consider reasonable adjustments while you wait.
What is happening with Access to Work delays?
The National Audit Office reported that applications more than doubled from 76,100 in 2018-19 to 157,000 in 2024-25.
It also reported that average processing time increased to 66 days in 2024-25 and reached 109 days in November 2025. Applications waiting for a DWP decision rose from 21,700 in March 2022 to 62,100 in March 2025.
These figures show that delays are a system-level problem, not a personal failure by applicants.
Why this matters
- job security
- confidence at work
- mental health
- employer cashflow
- onboarding for new employees
- retention of disabled and neurodivergent staff
- whether support arrives before problems escalate
What employees can do while waiting
- keep a simple timeline
- follow up regularly
- explain if your start date is close or your job is at risk
- ask for email if phone calls are difficult
- keep your employer informed about practical support needs
- ask for interim reasonable adjustments
Delay timeline template
| Date | Action | Who contacted | Response | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: 12 June | Followed up application | Access to Work | No decision yet | Follow up again in two weeks |
| Example: 18 June | Updated manager | Line manager | Temporary written instructions agreed | Review next month |
What employers can do while an employee waits
- review immediate barriers
- agree temporary adjustments
- document support offered
- avoid unnecessary delay in internal decisions
- support the employee with information needed for the application
- keep communication clear and respectful
What not to do
- do not wait silently if work is deteriorating
- do not assume Access to Work will solve every adjustment issue
- do not buy expensive equipment without understanding the claim process
- do not rely only on verbal conversations
Common questions
What can I do while waiting?
Keep a written timeline, follow up regularly, explain risk clearly and ask your employer to consider temporary reasonable adjustments.
Should my employer make adjustments while I wait?
Access to Work does not replace an employer’s legal duties. Employers should still consider reasonable adjustments while a decision is pending.
Can Calling All Minds speed up my application?
No organisation can guarantee faster DWP processing. Calling All Minds can help make support needs clearer.
Need help working out the right support?
If you are unsure what to ask for, we can help you identify workplace barriers and turn them into practical next steps.
Page review information
Last reviewed: May 2026. Next review due: August 2026. Reviewed by Calling All Minds workplace inclusion and assistive technology specialists.
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