Little-known grant worth up to £66,000 to help people with disabilities into work

A little-known grant worth up to £66,000 is available to help people with disabilities stay in work.

To make things even easier, thousands of households can now apply for cash online instead of going through a lengthy paper application.

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Grants are available through the government’s Access to Work scheme, which is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The money can pay for specialist equipment such as a screen reader, remote video interpreters or support services so that someone with a disability can work from home.

It can also be used for transportation costs if the individual cannot use public transportation.

The money can also be used to do things like:

• A support person or job coach who helps you at your workplace
• A support service if you have a mental illness and are absent or find it difficult to work
• Adjustments to the equipment you use
• Specialist equipment
• Disability awareness training for your colleagues
• A communicator during a job interview
• The cost of moving your equipment if you change locations or jobs

You do not need to receive disability benefits to apply for access to work.

And any benefits you already receive are unlikely to affect your application.

What is the arrangement for access to work?

The Access to Work program aims to help workers aged 16 and over in England, Scotland and Wales, who are disabled or have a physical or mental health condition, to remain in work.

It is an unrestricted fund that pays out up to £66,000 per person annually.

Since it is a grant, it means that you do not have to pay the money back.

Grants will be tailored to your needs and you will be allocated an Access to Work advisor who will work with you and your employer to assess which equipment or assistance is best.

You or your employer purchase the necessary items or services, and Access to Work will reimburse you up to the amount of the subsidy offered to you.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

Access to Work grants are available if you are over 16 years old and your employer is based in England, Scotland or Wales.

A different system applies in Northern Ireland.

You must be about to start a job or probationary period, or already have a paid job or be self-employed.

If you have a job offer, you can apply for Access to Work up to 6 weeks before you start work.

Although there is no maximum income limit, if you are already receiving certain benefits while out of work, you may not receive a subsidy.

However, those receiving Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support can still get help from Access to Work if they work more than an hour a week.

How do I apply for an Access to Work grant?

The Access to Work scheme pays grants of up to £60,000 per year per person to help disabled workers keep their jobs.

Check your eligibility before applying.

You can apply for Access to Work online or by telephone.

You need the following information:

• Your contact details
• Your workplace address and zip code
• Information about how your condition affects your work and what support you think you need
• Details of a contact person at the workplace who can confirm that you work there, if you are employed (they will not be contacted without your consent)
• Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, if you are self-employed

If you need the form in another format, such as Braille, large print or an audio CD, please call the Access to Work Helpline.

You can apply online by visiting https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.

You can also sign up by calling the Access to Work helpline on 0800 121 7479.

How long does it take to receive a grant?

If you start work within four weeks, your application will be a priority.

You should call the Access to Work helpline if you do not hear about your application within a week of your application.

If you are already working, it may take up to 12 weeks before you receive an assessment.