What can Access to Work pay for?
It may pay for or arrange practical workplace support such as specialist equipment, assistive software, training, support workers, travel support, mental health support and communication support.
Funding guide
What can Access to Work fund in 2026?
Access to Work can provide practical and financial support if your disability, health condition, mental health condition or neurodivergent profile creates barriers at work.
This page explains common types of support without implying automatic approval.
Quick answer
Access to Work may fund practical support connected to your work barrier.
Access to Work may fund practical support connected to your work barrier.
Support depends on your role, circumstances and the barriers you experience. There is no single fixed list that applies to everyone.
- equipment and software
- training and human support
- travel or communication support
- mental health support
- some workplace changes
Assistive technology and specialist equipment
Access to Work may help with specialist equipment or assistive software where it is needed because of a disability or health condition. The important question is whether the tool reduces a specific work-related barrier.
- text-to-speech tools
- speech-to-text tools
- reading support software
- note-taking tools
- mind mapping software
- screen readers
- ergonomic equipment
- specialist keyboards, mice or input devices
Training to use assistive technology
Technology alone is often not enough. People may need support to use tools confidently in their own role.
Training can help with emails, meetings, reports, planning, reading, writing and information processing.
If software is recommended or approved, ask whether training is included or can be arranged.
Support workers and job coaching
Access to Work may help with human support where a person needs help to carry out parts of their role, communicate effectively or access the workplace.
- job coaches
- travel buddies
- note takers
- British Sign Language interpreters
- lip speakers
- workplace support assistants
Mental health support
Access to Work can provide support for people whose mental health affects work. This may include a tailored support plan and one-to-one sessions with a mental health professional.
GOV.UK currently directs people to apply for mental health support through either Able Futures or Maximus, not both.
Travel and interview communication support
Access to Work may help with travel costs where someone cannot use available public transport because of their disability or health condition.
It can also help pay for communication support at a job interview. This is important because some barriers appear before someone has started a job.
What Access to Work will not fund
- reasonable adjustments your employer is legally required to make
- standard workplace equipment everyone needs
- business start-up costs
- voluntary work
- support unrelated to work
- support not connected to your disability, condition or access need
How to work out what to ask for
| Barrier | Possible support | Work benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Long documents are hard to process | Text-to-speech software and training | Faster reading, lower fatigue and better accuracy |
| Meeting notes are difficult | Note-taking software or note-taking support | Clearer actions and less missed information |
| Public transport is not accessible | Travel support where appropriate | More reliable travel to work |
Common questions
Can Access to Work pay for assistive technology?
It may help where specialist equipment or software is needed because of a disability or health condition and reduces a work-related barrier.
Can Access to Work pay for training?
Training may be supported where it is needed to make approved equipment, software or strategies useful in the person’s role.
What will Access to Work not pay for?
It will not normally pay for reasonable adjustments an employer is legally required to make, standard equipment, voluntary work, business start-up costs or support unrelated to work.
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.
Sources checked: