If you want to work but have a disability that makes working a problem you may be able to get help from the access to work scheme. This provides practical advice to help you overcome these problems. It can also give you grants towards extra employment costs.
You can get help if you are employed or self-employed, and you are disabled. This employment can be full time, part time or temporary. “Disabled” has the same meaning as in the Disability Discrimination Act but can also include disabilities that are only apparent in the workplace. An example of this might be where you started work and found that your eyesight was affected by computer screens but had not noticed this problem before you started work.
The amount of support depends on what you need because of your disability. If you have been in a job for less than 6 weeks or are about to start work, access to work will cover up to 100% of approved costs. If you have been in your job for 6 weeks or more when you first apply for help, access to work will cover up to 80% of approved costs above £300 and below £10,000, and all costs above £10,000. The sort of help on offer includes:
Contact your local Jobcentre or Jobcentre Plus office and ask to talk to an access to work adviser or a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) for advice and an application form.
As long as you need it. Initially you will be given help for a period up to a maximum of three years. Once this period has finished you can re-apply and continue to get the help as long as you satisfy the rules.
You can get more information on Access to Work on the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/index.htm.
For information about the scheme in Northern Ireland on the Department for Social Development website at www.dsdni.gov.uk.
April 2008
