Creating a more inclusive workplace is something every employer should prioritise — and in the UK, the Access to Work scheme plays a major role in making that happen. But if you’ve ever tried to navigate the process, you might be wondering: Do all Access to Work schemes work differently? And more importantly, how do they actually work?

Let’s break it down. 👇

What Is the Access to Work Scheme?

Access to Work (AtW) is a government-funded scheme designed to help people with a physical, mental, or learning disability or health condition stay in work or start a new job.

The scheme provides practical and financial support to ensure that employees can perform their duties comfortably and safely — whether that means adapting their workspace, providing specialist equipment, or arranging travel assistance.

How Does Access to Work Actually Work?

The process is straightforward but does vary slightly depending on each individual’s needs and workplace setup.

Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Application

Employees (not employers) apply for Access to Work directly through the GOV.UK website. They’ll need to provide details about their job, health condition, and the challenges they face at work.

2. Assessment

Once the application is submitted, an Access to Work advisor is assigned. This advisor may:

• Contact the applicant and employer for more information.

• Arrange a workplace assessment (either in-person or virtual) to identify what support or adjustments are needed.

The assessment looks at:

• The individual’s specific work duties.

• The nature of their condition or disability.

• The physical or digital work environment.

3. Recommendations

After the assessment, the advisor provides a detailed report of recommended support, which might include:

• Ergonomic office equipment (like chairs, desks, or keyboards).

• Assistive technology, such as screen readers or speech-to-text software.

• Specialist coaching or mental health support.

• Travel assistance (if public transport isn’t suitable).

4. Funding and Implementation

Access to Work will cover some or all of the costs, depending on the applicant’s situation:

• The DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) will confirm how much your grant is. You are then free to contact ATW approved suppliers such as  Emotion Office who will do a free video assessment, and then provide a quote. You then have 2 options, you can pay the invoice yourself and claim back from the DWP or you can request a proforma invoice which you then send to the DWP and they pay the supplier direct.

Do All Access to Work Schemes Work Differently?

In short — yes and no.

The core Access to Work process is the same nationwide because it’s a central government programme managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). However, the support itself differs depending on:

✅ Individual needs: No two people’s conditions or job roles are the same, so recommendations and funding levels vary.
✅ Type of employment: Whether the person is employed, self-employed, or about to start a new job.
✅ Work environment: Some people may need specialist home office equipment, while others need on-site adjustments.
✅ Location: While the funding rules are consistent, assessors and suppliers may differ regionally, which can affect response times and product availability. Some councils will require 3 quotes, others will just confirm the grant amount and you can ask suppliers such as Emotion Office to give you a proforma invoice that you can either pay yourself and claim back or upload for the DWP to pay direct (this does take longer).

So while the framework is consistent, the experience and support provided are tailored to each person.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the demand on the system. Generally:

• Initial contact is made within a few weeks of applying.

• Assessments are usually completed within 4–8 weeks., however more recent applications have take longer than this.

• Funding approvals may take longer for more complex cases.

💡 Tip: The sooner you apply after starting a new job, the quicker support can be arranged — especially if specialist equipment is needed.

How Employers Benefit from Access to Work

Employers also gain a lot from the scheme. It helps them:

• Retain skilled employees who may otherwise struggle without adjustments.

• Reduce absenteeism and improve productivity.

• Show commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

And best of all — much of the cost is covered or reimbursed by the government.

What Can Access to Work Cover?

Here are some examples of what may be funded:

🪑 Ergonomic chairs and sit-stand desks – to improve posture and reduce back strain.
🧠 Specialist mental health support – including coaching or counselling.
💻 Assistive software or technology – like magnification tools or dictation software.
🚗 Travel to work – if public transport isn’t accessible.
👥 Job coach or support worker – to help manage specific tasks or transitions.

Final Thoughts: Tailored Support for Every Worker

Every Access to Work application is unique — because every person’s needs are unique. While the scheme operates under the same government guidelines, the support offered is personalised to ensure individuals get exactly what they need to thrive at work.

Whether that’s an ergonomic chair, a height-adjustable desk, or specialist software, Access to Work ensures that barriers to employment don’t stand in the way of success.