Independent 2026 Guide

Access to Work for
NHS Staff & Professionals

Access to Work is a government grant that can provide up to £69,260 a year to help disabled and neurodivergent NHS staff succeed in their roles. This independent guide explains how healthcare professionals can access funding for equipment, travel, and support workers.

Disclaimer: This is an independent resource from Calling All Minds. Not an official NHS or government resource.

Updated: June 2026

Access to Work Eligibility and Support Categories

Eligibility

  • You must be disabled or have a long-term physical or mental health condition that affects your ability to do your job
  • You must be in paid employment, self-employed, or about to start work
  • You must be aged 16 or over
  • You must live and work in Great Britain
  • The support must be directly related to your work duties

"Access to Work is available to NHS staff in permanent, fixed-term, or bank roles."

Equipment and Adaptations

Up to £69,260 per year

Specialist equipment and workplace modifications

Assistive software and hardware
Ergonomic furniture and equipment
Workplace modifications

Support Worker Services

Up to £69,260 per year

Human support to help with work tasks

BSL interpreters and note-takers
Personal assistants for work tasks
Reader services

Travel and Access

100% of additional costs

Transport and access support for work-related travel

Taxi costs for shift work and on-call duties
Accessible accommodation during training
Travel costs for medical conferences and CPD

Mental Health Support

Up to £69,260 per year

Specialist support for mental health conditions

Occupational psychology support
Workplace counselling services
Stress management coaching

AtW Funding Calculator 2026

NHS Staff Access to Work FAQs

How much can Access to Work provide for NHS staff in 2026?

Access to Work can provide up to £69,260 a year where the support is approved. The amount depends on the person’s needs and circumstances. It can help with support workers, specialist equipment, travel to work, mental health support and other disability-related work barriers.

Does Access to Work replace an employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments?

No. Employers still have duties under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments. Access to Work can help fund additional support where someone needs help beyond what the employer would normally be expected to provide.

Can I get Access to Work if I work for an NHS Trust?

Yes. NHS employees are eligible for Access to Work support. While NHS Trusts have a duty to make reasonable adjustments, Access to Work can provide additional funding for more expensive or specialized support that goes beyond the employer’s legal duty.

What happens if I work across multiple NHS sites?

Access to Work can support multi-site working. This may include funding for portable assistive technology, travel support between sites, or adaptations that work across different clinical environments.