Access to Work is a grant, not a loan, that can fund practical support — specialist equipment, travel costs, a support worker or British Sign Language interpreter — to help disabled people start or stay in work. This guide explains who qualifies in 2026/27, what it covers, and how to apply.
What Access to Work Covers
Access to Work can fund a wide range of practical support tailored to your needs and job, including specialist equipment or software, a support worker or job coach, a British Sign Language interpreter, adaptations to how you travel to work if public transport is not accessible to you, and mental health support.
It is a grant rather than a loan and does not need to be repaid. It is designed to fund the extra costs related to your disability or health condition that go beyond what an employer would reasonably be expected to provide as a standard workplace adjustment.
Who Can Apply
You can apply if you are employed, self-employed, or about to start a job or work trial, and you have a disability or physical or mental health condition that affects your ability to do your job or get to work. You do not need to be receiving a specific disability benefit to qualify.
Employers can also be involved in the application, but the grant is made to support the individual, and support can continue if you change employer, since the funding follows you rather than the workplace in many cases.
How to Apply
Applications are made through gov.uk or by phone, and you will usually discuss your job, the barriers you face, and what support might help with an assessor, who may also contact your employer with your permission to understand the role.
Larger employers may be asked to contribute towards some costs on a sliding scale, while smaller employers and the self-employed are generally not expected to contribute in the same way — check current thresholds when you apply, as they are reviewed periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Access to Work a loan I have to pay back?
No. It is a grant, meaning the funding does not need to be repaid, whether you are employed or self-employed. It is intended to remove barriers to work caused by a disability or health condition, not to provide a repayable loan.
Do I need to be claiming PIP or another disability benefit to apply?
No. You do not need to already receive Personal Independence Payment or any other specific benefit to apply for Access to Work — eligibility is based on whether your disability or health condition affects your ability to work or get to work, assessed on its own terms.
Can self-employed people get Access to Work support?
Yes. The scheme is open to self-employed people as well as employees, and can fund equipment, support workers or travel adjustments needed to carry out your self-employed work, in the same way as it supports employees in a job.
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Will my employer have to pay towards the cost?
It depends on the size of the employer and the type of support. Larger employers may be asked to contribute a proportion of certain costs on a sliding scale, while smaller employers and self-employed claimants are typically not expected to contribute in the same way.
Does support continue if I change jobs?
In many cases, yes — because the grant is made to support you as an individual rather than tied permanently to one employer, some forms of support (such as equipment or a support worker) can continue or be reassessed if you move to a new role.
How long does an Access to Work application take?
Timescales vary depending on demand and the complexity of your needs, so it is worth applying as early as possible — ideally before starting a new job or as soon as a barrier becomes apparent in your current role — rather than waiting until support is urgently needed.
Is there a maximum amount Access to Work will pay?
Yes, funding for most awards is capped at a maximum amount per person over a set period, with the exact limit reviewed periodically — check the current cap on gov.uk when you apply, as some support such as an initial in-work assessment is not counted towards it.
Does Access to Work cover support for working from home?
Yes. If your disability or health condition affects your ability to work from home, Access to Work can fund reasonable adjustments there too, such as specialist equipment or software, in the same way it supports adjustments in a traditional workplace.
What happens if my Access to Work application is turned down?
You can ask for the decision to be looked at again and, if you remain unhappy with the outcome, request a formal review through the Department for Work and Pensions. It is worth keeping evidence of how your condition affects your work to support any review.
Do I need to reapply if my needs or job change?
Yes, it is best to contact Access to Work if your job, employer or support needs change, as awards are usually assessed for a specific role and set of circumstances, and your support may need to be reviewed or reassessed to reflect the change.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects UK rules as they generally apply in 2026/27. This guide is for general information only and is not professional advice. Consult a qualified adviser and refer to gov.uk for current official guidance before relying on any treatment.
