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Guide to Access to Work

What is Access To Work?

Access to Work is a Government grant designed to help people overcome barriers to employment that occur as a result of their disability.

Through the scheme, employers and employees can receive funding towards employment costs, and access practical advice based on each individual’s requirements.

The Access to Work scheme is available to disabled individuals both entering the workplace within 12 weeks of their application and currently employed. For individuals currently in employment, up to 80% of costs in excess of £300 can be met. If you are starting a new job, the Access to Work scheme can meet any extra costs incurred.

Through Access to Work, you can apply for:

  • A grant to help pay for practical support with your work
  • Support with managing your mental health at work
  • Money to pay for communication support at job interviews

For more information on the scheme, see the Access to Work website.

How can Allied Mobility Help?

Transport Costs

If you would normally travel by car and require a specially adapted vehicle, Access To Work can provide assistance towards the cost of the adapted features or even a converted vehicle. The amount funded will vary according to the needs of each individual.

Allied Mobility has a range of vehicles that Access To Work can help with

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Special Aids and Equipment

Any item that a disabled person needs to do a job (for example wheelchair accessible work desk or large print keyboard).

See more of this on our sister website, Mobility Solutions:

Mobility Solutions

What else does Access To Work fund?

Communication Support

Employing an interpreter or communicator where there might be communication difficulties at job interviews and/or other meetings. This support is available for all job interviews, whether for a new job or internal promotion.

Getting a Support Worker

A support worker who may, for example:

  • Provide help in the workplace with tasks that you are unable to do
  • Provide support in getting to and from work, or
  • Attend to personal needs in the workplace (e.g. sign language interpreters).

Altering Premises and Equipment

Changes to premises and equipment required to meet the needs of a disabled individual, for example, a ramp for wheelchair access or upgrades to a computer.

Further Information

The above points cover the main areas where Access to Work may assess that support is required. However, there may be other areas of support that are applicable. Access to Work will look at all applicant’s circumstances and will consider a wide variety of recommendations to make life easier for you at work.

Once you have received funding, Access to Work will review your circumstances and the support you’re receiving periodically – normally between one and three years after your previous application.

To qualify for support from the Access to Work scheme you must be 16 years old or over and feel that your disability or health condition stops you from being able to get work or to do parts of your job or has a long-term effect on how well you are able to do your job (or the job which you are about to start).

Anyone who has a long-term medical condition that will last at least 12 months and any person who meets the definition of being disabled under the Disability Discrimination Act, 1995, may be eligible for support.

Allied applicants must be either:

• In a paid job: full-time, part-time or self-employed, or

• Unemployed and about to start a job or Work Trial

Access to Work is not normally available to individuals claiming benefits. However, individuals that are claiming benefits and doing ‘permitted work’ at the higher level are eligible.

More information on eligibility criteria can be found on the Access to Work eligibility page

The funding available through Access to Work depends on the employment status of the person with the disability at the time of application.

  • If you are currently employed and have previously been self-employed or unemployed or in your job for less than 6 weeks, 100% of approved costs will be paid.
  • If you have been in work for 6 weeks or more, you can receive 80% of approved costs above £300 and up to £10,000 and 100% costs over £10,000, over a 3 year period.

Access to Work funding can be utilised in purchasing your own vehicle or to assist with a vehicle leased through the Motability Scheme.

To arrange a quote for any of our wheelchair accessible vehicles or to arrange a home demonstration, contact our specialist Mobility Advisors at the number at the top of the page or email info@alliedmobility.com

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