‘Access to Work’ scheme for disabled people

Access to Work was launched in June 1994 and is delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Jobcentre Plus. Access to Work is available to those aged 16 years or over who live and work in Great Britain.

There are two main types of Access to Work provision:

• Assessments involve exploring workplace-related barriers to employment and making recommendations on how these can be overcome.
• Elements are put in place to provide the additional support that is required.

In some, but not all cases, an Assessment is required to assess whether a customer is eligible to receive an Element.

Access to Work provision was approved for 32,000 people in 2018/19. The provision provided in 2018/19 included elements such as:

• Communication support for interviews
• Special aids and equipment
• Adaptations to premises and vehicles
• Help with travel costs
• Support workers
• A mental health support service

The maximum annual amount that an individual can receive has been set at £59,200 from 1 April 2019. This is uprated annually every April.