Access to Work Funding

Page Updated: 5th November 2020


The Access to Work scheme is available for people who want to work but have a disability that makes working more difficult. In some cases it can give you grants towards extra employment costs. The kind of help available includes:

  • A communicator, advocate or British Sign Language interpreter for a job interview, if you’re hearing impaired or have communication difficulties

  • A support worker, such as a reader for someone with a visual impairment; communicator for hearing impaired person; a specialist job coach for a person with a learning difficulty; or a helper for personal care needs at work

  • Specialist equipment (or alterations to existing equipment) to suit your needs

  • Alterations to premises or a working environment to make it more accessible

  • Help towards the additional costs of taxi fares if you cannot use public transport to get to work.


You can get help if you are:


  • Disabled or have a health condition that impacts your ability to work; and

  • Aged 16 or over And any of the following apply to you:

  • Be in need of help at a job interview

  • Be about to start employment or a work trial

  • Be about to start a Department for Education Supported Internship or Business Innovation Skills traineeship

  • Be about to start work experience

  • Be in employment either employed or self-employed.


What help is available?


Access to Work will pay 100% of the approved costs, subject to a cap of £59,200, for travel to work, a support worker/reader or a communicator for support at job interviews if you are;

  • Unemployed or starting a new job

  • Working for an employer and have been in the job for less than six weeks

  • Self-employed; or

  • Setting up your own business through the new enterprise allowance (NEA). If you have been in your job for 6 weeks or more when you first apply for help, Access to Work will pay a proportion of the costs of support alongside your employer.

For employers when cost sharing applies, Access to Work will refund up to 80% of the approved costs between a threshold and £10,000.

As the employer, you will contribute 100% of costs up to the threshold level and 20% of the costs between the threshold and £10,000.

The amount of the threshold is determined by the number of employees you have.

Number of employees Amount of threshold
0-49 employees Nil
50-249 employees £500
over 250 employees £1,000

Any balance above £10,000 will normally be met by Access to Work.

If the support also provides a general business benefit, a contribution will be sought in addition to any compulsory cost share.

Access to work guide for employers


How do I claim?


Contact Access to Work by calling: 08001217479 (Textphone: 08001217579). Further details on the claim process can be found on the Government website.

You could also contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for advice and an application form.

If you are a young person aged 16-25 your school or college may be able to apply on your behalf.

West Sussex CC has produced a series of films which give a step by step guide to making an application for Access to Work Funding. These can be found on the Local Offer


How long is access to work funding available for


Access to Work funding agreements can cover up to three years. Reviews normally take place annually to assess if continued or further funding is required. As long as you need the funding, you should continue to get it.


Where Can I Get More Help Or Information?


For general information go to Government website or Disability Rights UK website

See also DWP’s Access to Work: Factsheet for customers and Access to Work Provider Guidance.

You can also get help and information at your local advice centre, such as Citizens Advise or a Find it Out centre.