Access to Work

Access to Work is a government programme aimed at supporting disabled people to take up or remain in work. Access to Work is a discretionary grant scheme that provides personalised support for disabled individuals who are:

- in paid employment

- self-employed

- apprenticeships

- trainees

- supported interns

- doing self- directed work experience

- jobcentre plus promoted work trails

- you can also get support for job interviews

 

You can also apply if you have:

- a job offer

- a job start date

- a letter confirming your interview

 

Who can get help?

You can get help if you:

- are disabled, have a mental health condition or have a long term health condition that affects your ability to work

- are aged 16 or older

- Live in England, Scotland or Wales

(Disabled- defined the same as in the Equality Act 2010- 'a physical or mental health impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on [your] ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This can also include those disabilities which only become apparent in the workplace- for example discovering your eyesight is effected by computer screens.)

** You do not need to declare your disability until after you have received an official job offer.

 

Help that is available:

There are a wide range of interventions available through this support scheme beyond those considered to be 'reasonable adjustments' associated with overcoming work-related barriers resulting from a disability.

examples of the kind of help available through Access to Work are:

- a communicator

- a support worker

- specialist equipment

- additional costs of taxis if public transport cannot be taken

- support via Access to Work's dedicated Mental Health Support Service

 

 

Support with your application

Your application must be applied for within the first 6 WEEKS of starting your job for there to be no personal costs- after the 6 week period there will be the opportunity for as cost share with the employer

 

For support completing the forms you can call your local Jobcentre. They will be able to talk you through the forms and fill it in for you (if this is done over the phone, they will then email/ send you a copy fo the completed form for you to go over a check for yourself for you personally to then submit the form)

 

Support with Interviews

Access to Work and Remploy also provide support before, during and after interviews.

The support available includes:

- What to expect at interviews

- Types of interviews

- Preparing for interviews

- Practicing for interviews

- After the interview

- When you get the job

- Planning for your first day at work

 

Mental Health Support

Remploy and Access to Work offer free and confidential Workplace Mental Health Support Service delivered through DWP.

The scheme offers:

- Work focused mental health support for 6 months tailored to your needs

- Assessment of needs to identify suitable coping strategies

- Ideas for adjustments in the workplace, or in working practices that could benefit the employee and the employers

- Advice on help for your employer on how to support people with a mental health condition

 

To qualify, you need to:

- be in permanent or temporary employment (either attending or signed off)

- have a mental health condition (diagnosed or undiagnosed) that has resulted in workplace absence, or is causing difficulties to remain in the workplace

 

Support for apprentices

This support is there for those who feel low, upset and who are struggling to keep up with the demand from their apprenticeship. This service is completely confidential and is ran by fully trained professionals which an expertise in mental health.

 

To qualify, individuals must:

- be in an apprenticeship (attending or signed off sick)

- have a mental health condition that has resulted in absence, or is causing difficulties to remain in their apprenticeship

 

What is available?

- An expert from remploy will provide personal, emotional well-being support and advice for around 6 months

- They will help individuals to cope better so they can concentrate on their apprenticeship

- Develop a step-by-step support plan to keep apprentices on track

- Advise on some workplace adjustments

- Help an employer understand how they can best support apprentices experiencing a mental health condition

 

For more information about the grants available through this scheme visit: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/access-work