Eligibility guide
Access to Work may be available if a disability, health condition, mental health condition or neurodivergent profile affects your work or your journey to work.
You do not need to have everything worked out before you apply. Start with the practical barrier: what is harder, slower, painful, stressful or inaccessible at work?
Quick answer
Access to Work may be relevant if you are aged 16 or over, live and work or are about to work in Great Britain, and need practical support because of a disability, health condition, mental health condition or neurodivergent profile.
Guidance only
Answer a few simple questions to see whether Access to Work may be relevant. This is not a decision from DWP.
This checker does not collect personal data, store your answers or ask for a diagnosis.
You may be able to apply for Access to Work if you meet these broad conditions. Only DWP can make a final decision.
Access to Work is not only for emergencies. It can help people start work, stay in work, return to work or manage a role more sustainably.
If you already know that tasks, systems, journeys or environments create barriers, it is better to seek support early.
Many people delay asking for support because they are waiting for a diagnosis. This can be common for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and mental health conditions.
The important issue is the impact on work. Explain how your access need affects your role, travel to work or interview communication. Evidence can help where available, but a lack of diagnosis should not stop you from checking your options.
Use plain examples. For example: “long written instructions take much longer to process and I miss actions when several requests are combined.”
Access to Work may be relevant for neurodivergent employees when practical support would reduce work barriers.
Yes. GOV.UK says your workplace can include your home if you work there some or all of the time.
This can matter for remote and hybrid workers who need support with digital systems, communication, focus, sensory load, workstation setup or assistive technology.
Self-employed people can apply, but there are specific requirements. The GOV.UK customer factsheet says self-employed applicants must have annual turnover of at least £6,500.
You may need evidence such as accounts, a suitable business plan, a Unique Tax Reference number or other information depending on your situation. Access to Work cannot pay for business start-up costs.
You may be eligible if you are aged 16 or over, live and work or are about to work in Great Britain, and need practical support because of a disability, health condition, mental health condition or neurodivergent profile.
The key issue is how your access need affects work. Evidence can help, but you should not delay checking your options only because you are waiting for a diagnosis.
Yes. GOV.UK says your workplace can include home if you work there some or all of the time.
GOV.UK guidance says civil servants should receive support from their employer instead of Access to Work.
If you are unsure what to ask for, we can help you identify workplace barriers and turn them into practical next steps.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Next review due: August 2026. Reviewed by Calling All Minds workplace inclusion and assistive technology specialists.
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