Work context
Know your role, work pattern, employer details and where the barriers arise.
Access to Work, step by step
How to Apply for Access to Work
Applying for Access to Work is easier when you know what information to prepare, what support you are asking for and how recommendations might translate into real workplace support.
The stronger the support picture, the easier the application is to explain.
Work context
Know your role, work pattern, employer details and where the barriers arise.
Barriers
Describe what is difficult at work, not only the diagnosis or condition.
Support needed
Think about coaching, assistive technology, travel, communication support or workplace adaptations.
Start here
Before you apply
Barriers
Describe what is difficult at work, not only the diagnosis or condition.
Support needed
Think about coaching, assistive technology, travel, communication support or workplace adaptations.
Existing adjustments
Note what has already been tried and what still is not working.
Contact details
Have employer and workplace information ready where relevant.
Application route
Application route
Start the official application route, explain your work situation, describe the barriers, discuss support options, receive recommendations and then put support into practice.
Practical checks
- Start the application.
- Explain your work situation.
- Describe the barriers.
- Discuss support options.
- Receive recommendations.
- Put support into practice.
Support considered
What support may be considered
Access to Work decides what support may be funded, so use careful language and describe the work barrier clearly.
Practical checks
- Neurodiversity coaching
- Assistive technology
- Assistive technology training
- Travel support
- Communication support
- Workplace support worker
- Specialist assessment
- Equipment or adaptations
Implementation
How Calling All Minds can help after recommendations
Calling All Minds can help people and organisations turn recommendations into practical support, including neurodiversity coaching, assistive technology training, workplace needs assessments and support planning.
Access to Work resources
Use Access to Work recommendations well
Calling All Minds helps turn Access to Work recommendations into practical coaching, assistive technology and workplace support.
Useful connected guidance
These pages give more context and connect this guide to practical support.
Access to Work support guidesBrowse practical Access to Work support routes.Open guidanceAccess to Work ADHD coachingUnderstand ADHD coaching routes.Open guidanceAccess to Work assistive technologyUse recommended tools in real work.Open guidanceNeurodiversity coachingExplore coaching support.Open guidanceAssistive technology trainingExplore workplace AT training.Open guidanceReasonable adjustments and the Equality ActUnderstand employer duties.Open guidance
Questions people often ask
Short answers, written in plain language.
Who can apply for Access to Work?
People may be able to apply if they have a disability or health condition that affects work and they are in paid work, self-employed, about to start work or returning to work.
What information do I need before applying?
Prepare details about your job, employer, barriers at work, support needs and any adjustments already tried.
Can Access to Work fund ADHD coaching?
Access to Work may fund ADHD coaching where it is recommended and the person is eligible.
Can Access to Work fund assistive technology?
It may fund assistive technology or training where it is considered necessary for work.
Can Calling All Minds help with Access to Work support?
Calling All Minds can support with coaching, assistive technology training, workplace needs assessments and post-report implementation.
Is Access to Work the same as reasonable adjustments?
No. Access to Work can help with support, but it does not replace an employer’s duty to consider reasonable adjustments.