Access to Work: the ADHD support grant

The Access to Work program, run by the UK government, provides financial assistance of up to £62,900 annually to assist individuals with physical or mental health issues or disabilities in maintaining or entering employment. Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be eligible for this support. This grant can cover essential assistance, including 

• Starting work
• Staying in work
• Moving into self-employment or starting a business (but not to cover start-up costs)

Anyone can apply – whether they're employed or not, working part-time or full-time, and regardless of their total income. Receiving an Access To Work grant won't impact any other benefits you're entitled to, and you won't have to repay it. You or your employer might have to cover some expenses initially and seek reimbursement at a later date. Access To Work can cover modifications in the workplace or assistance with entering the workforce. Regrettably, it's not accessible to individuals who are unable to work or are retired. 

An Access To Work grant can provide funding for practical support with your work. The generic list they provides is:

• support and equipment in your workplace
• adapting equipment to make it easier for you to use
• money towards any extra travel costs or to adapt your vehicle
• an interpreter or other support at a job interview if you have difficulty communicating
• other practical help at work, such as a job coach or a note taker or lip speaker

The following are accomodations that we are aware people with ADHD have successfully asked for:

• ADHD Coaching
• Noise cancelling headphones
• Significant workplace support (a recent substancial award we heard of was someone to help with the filing aspects of a job. The award was a half full-time equivalent (so 2.5 days a week) to come in and assist in filing.

• Support and equipment in your workplace
• Adapting equipment to make it easier for you to use
• Money towards any extra travel costs or to adapt your vehicle
• An interpreter or other support at a job interview if you have difficulty communicating
• Further practical help at work, such as a job coach or a note taker or lip speaker

The process

When you submit a request for Access To Work assistance, you complete a form and, upon approval, undergo a review phase where the assistance provided is customised to your needs. You will be provided with help to create a support strategy for your work environment, which could encompass the following: 

• Adaptable work schedules to cater to fluctuations in mood and the influence of medication. 
• Providing a mentor to give you additional support at work
• Giving you additional time to complete specific tasks
• Providing you with additional training
• Regular meetings with your manager to discuss any concerns you may have. 
• A phased return to work, such as reduced hours or fewer days

Access to Work partners will collaborate with your employer to provide guidance on the most effective ways they can assist you in the work environment. Your employer is expected to implement reasonable accommodations. Initially, any expenses incurred will be covered by your employer and subsequently reimbursed by the government. Consequently, it is essential to discuss your ADHD with your employer. 

Access to Work partners will collaborate with your employer to provide guidance on the most effective ways they can assist you in the work environment. Your employer is expected to implement reasonable accommodations. Initially, any expenses incurred will be covered by your employer and subsequently reimbursed by the government. Consequently, it is essential to discuss your ADHD with your employer. 

• Have a physical or mental health condition or disability that means you need support to do your job or get to and from work,
• Be 16 or over
• Be in paid work (or be about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks), even when working from home.
• Be employed or self-employed.
• Reside and work (or are preparing to commence or resume work) in England, Scotland, or Wales. Access to Work is not available for individuals residing in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Northern Ireland operates under a separate system. 

There are different criteria for job interview support, which you can find on this dedicated government webpage.  

Access To Work is an ongoing programme, which means you can access support for three years before your situation is reviewed.

Go to the gov.uk/access-to-work where you can check your eligibility and to fill in an application