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.
FAQ guide
Access to Work FAQs 2026
These FAQs answer common questions about Access to Work eligibility, funding, applications, delays, neurodivergence, mental health support, employers and reasonable adjustments.
Answers are intentionally short to reduce cognitive load.
Quick answer
Short answers to common Access to Work questions.
Short answers to common Access to Work questions.
Use this page if you want a quick answer. Each answer links naturally to the wider Access to Work guide cluster where more detail is useful.
How to use these FAQs
Start with the question closest to your situation. If you need more detail, use the related page links at the end.
Common questions
Who is eligible for Access to Work?
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.
Can I apply without a diagnosis?
The key issue is whether you need practical support to do your job, travel to work or communicate at interview. Evidence may help, but you should not delay checking your options only because you are waiting for a diagnosis.
Can I get Access to Work for ADHD?
Access to Work may be relevant for ADHD if it affects work, communication, planning, focus, organisation, time management, travel or wellbeing.
Can I get Access to Work for autism?
Access to Work may be relevant for autistic people where support is needed to reduce workplace barriers, communication barriers, sensory barriers or travel barriers.
Can I get Access to Work for dyslexia?
Access to Work may be relevant where reading, writing, processing speed, memory, organisation or written communication create barriers at work.
Can Access to Work pay for assistive technology?
It may help with specialist equipment and assistive software where this is needed because of a disability or health condition.
Can Access to Work pay for training?
It may support training where it helps someone use approved equipment, software or workplace strategies effectively.
Can Access to Work help if I work from home?
Yes. GOV.UK says your workplace can include your home if you work there some or all of the time.
Can self-employed people apply?
Yes, but there are specific requirements. The GOV.UK customer factsheet says self-employed applicants must have annual turnover of at least £6,500.
Can civil servants apply?
GOV.UK guidance says civil servants should receive support from their employer instead of Access to Work.
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.
Does Access to Work replace reasonable adjustments?
No. Access to Work does not replace an employer’s legal duty to make reasonable adjustments.
How can Calling All Minds help?
Calling All Minds can help employees and employers identify barriers, understand practical support, provide workplace needs assessments, deliver assistive technology training and improve adjustment processes.
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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