Access to Work

Access to Work is a UK government scheme that provides financial and practical support to help people with disabilities or health conditions, including ADHD, succeed in their jobs. It’s designed to cover costs for things that make working easier and more accessible, such as specialized equipment, coaching, transport, or adjustments not typically covered by your employer.

No, Access to Work is a grant, not a loan, so you don’t need to repay it.

You must have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work, and you need to be employed, self-employed, or about to start a job.

ADHD - You do not have to be formally diagnosed

Current waiting times as of today 08/01/2025 - 24 weeks (roughly 6 months)

But there has been Christmas and lots of flu which means lots of sickness so allow up to 7 months before any chasing.

So from when you apply to when you hear anything is going to be about 6-7 months, it might be worth putting a reminder on your diary for 6 months and 7 months so you can chase them then if you haven't heard.

The definition of a job aide is a little unclear, it's basically someone supporting you with your work and helping you so part of you job, similar to a VA really BUT the key is to check for any specifics from ATW.

Have they said they're awarding you a job aide for note taking? Have they just left it open?

As they're getting a lot stricter now, I'd really make sure you confirm with your case worker what that entails. If you have an idea of the support you need, maybe run it by them and check those tasks are included.

Also they didn't seem to have any suggestions on how to find said Job Aide and it's not a term I've come across before. But job aide also can't under support worker, same with coach and VA, so again just make sure you get specifics from your case worker so you don't get in a pickle and the person supporting you gets paid.

I'm really hoping they release clearer guidance soon and this is something I'll be pushing for!

Unfortunately benefit payments aren't counted towards your overall income, so can't boost your income to meet the minimum income for being self employed.

Any questions from any of these updates just let me know. I'll update my access to work guides over the next few weeks and I'll be adding a section to my website for easy access to information and will update you once it's done.

They are clamping down on this, it's still very much part of their process but was handed out more freely before, whereas now they're pushing software first. You could still get offered Coaching but it might not be as easy as before but don't let this stop you applying and pushing for it.

Buying any equipment or software and subscriptions, starting with a VA or Coach before you get your grant is incredibly risky! You're not Guaranteed ATW funding, everyone gets awarded a different amount and they may refuse to pay prior to the grant date. I've been advised by ATW directly just now that it's very risky and I agree, I'd hate to see anyone in financial trouble for this.

SELF EMPLOYED - Before ATW have Said you need to pay for the equipment or software upfront and then claim it back, I've had a few clients that are unable to do that understandably, so I asked if there's any options available and they've said that they've now started to pay the companies directly.

You'd need to contact the companies and get a proforma for whatever you're buying, then put that claim on via your online ATW account, same as when you put in the invoice for coaching or VA.

Yes you can :-) If you’ve been awarded Coaching you can request to work with me even if ATW give you options of other Coaches or Services (it doesn’t mean you’re required to just use those)

Please feel free to reach out if you need a quote or if you’ve been awarded and would like to work with me.