This is a guide aimed at staff who wish to apply for Access to Work (AtW), but is also useful for those who want to know more about the process.
Access to Work (AtW) is a government funded employment support grant scheme that aims to support people who have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition to start or stay in work, by providing practical and financial support.
An easy read version of the AtW website is also available for those with learning disabilities or who have difficulties reading.
The application to AtW needs to be made directly by you as the staff member who needs support. If you are new in post, please aim to make this application within the first 6 weeks of your employment.
(Updated February 2024)
Although you can apply for a grant at any time, to avoid delays in receiving your equipment you should follow the University's Access to Work Procedure.
To be eligible for support you must:
You can apply for Access to Work up to 6 weeks before you start work, and it is recommended that new starters apply in the first 6 weeks, as these are prioritised by DWP.
If applying after this, your application may take longer - currently 12-16 weeks.
AtW can provide you with support with the extra costs of working that may occur because of a disability and/or long term physical and/or mental health condition(s). Examples include:
There are some things Access to Work will not fund, including:
When you apply, Access to Work will ask:
You will also need to give:
Please note there can sometimes be delays in equipment being purchased if the recommended company is a new supplier to the University.
Access to Work may recommend equipment or software that the University cannot provide or support. Certain IT equipment or software may not be compatible with our current IT systems or meet our data protection standards. In this situation we will work with the DITS team and AtW to find an alternative solution where this is possible.
Currently unsupported equipment:
Equipment purchased under Access to Work is owned by you, so you can move it if you change roles within the University. If you leave the University, you may be able be able to transfer equipment to your new employer, but you cannot automatically transfer awards for support workers or travel – please contact the Access to Work team to discuss new arrangements.
If you think your staff member may be eligible and may benefit from Access to Work support or are aware they wish to make a claim please complete a referral to OH.
If you receive Access to Work documentation for one of your staff members, please send this along with the referral.
If your health conditions change, please make Occupational Health aware to see if another referral is required and call the Access to Work helpline to report a change in your circumstances.
You may get another assessment and a change to the award.