Access to Work (AtW)
What is Access to Work (AtW)?
Access to Work (AtW) is a grant that funds practical support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition. The aim is to help individuals start work, stay in work, move into self-employment or start a new business. The support will accommodate the individual's needs and ensure all reasonable adjustments are in place in order for the individual to carry out their job to the best of their ability.
The Role of an Access to Work Consultant
I have 15 years experience in the access-to-work scheme, from supporting individuals with their applications, to providing and sourcing the best support to meet the individuals needs. I work with a diverse range of professionals to ensure applications are completed as thorough as possible and that individuals receive the best possible options.
Here are a list of services I can provide, funded by the Access-to-Work Scheme:
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BSL / English Interpreting (RSLI)
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Deafblind Communication/Interpreting (Manual/Visual Frame/Hands-On)
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Mental Health Supervision/Mental Health Support Worker
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Administration Support
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English Support
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Work Coach
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Awareness Training
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Communication Support
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Mentoring/Coaching
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Support Worker
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AtW Application Support
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Job Trial Support
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Advocacy/Disciplinary Support
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Workplace Travel
If you require a service/equipment I cannot provide, please feel rest assured that I will continue working with you to source the most appropriate support available.
Eligibility for Access to Work
AtW grants are available if you are over 16 and your employer is based in England, Scotland or Wales. Please Note:There is a different system for Northern Ireland. You must be about to start a job or work trial, or already be in a paid job or self-employed. Unfortunately, you cannot receive a grant if you are carrying out voluntary work. Your disability or health condition must effect your ability to carry out your job on a day-to-day basis.
What Support may I Receive?
There is no set amount for an Access to Work grant, as the support recommendations will be tailored to your specific needs. What you will receive will be dependent on your circumstances. However, budgets are capped to a certain amount of funding each year.
The AtW grant can pay for the following:
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A support worker or job coach to help in your workplace, e.g. English Support, Administration Support and Advocacy/Disciplinary Support
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A support service if you have a mental health condition and are absent from work or find it challenging to work.
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A Mental Health Supervisor or Mental Health Support Worker can support you in managing your mental health at work by creating a tailored plan to help you get or stay in your job role, arrange regular 1-1 check in’s with you, and support you by recommending the following if required:
- Adaptations to the equipment you use
- Special equipment
- Travel expenses to work if you are unable to use public transport
- Disability awareness training for your work colleagues
- A communicator at a job interview, e.g. BSL / English Interpreter (RSLI), Communication Support Worker or a Deafblind Communication Professional
- The cost of moving your equipment if you change location or job role