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What Access to Work Is and How to Apply

Author :
Camilla Tubertini
Date :
30 Apr, 2026
What Access to Work Is and How to Apply
Access to Work is a government-funded scheme that provides practical and financial support for people with a disability or health condition who are in work, about to start work, or self-employed. It covers costs that employers cannot reasonably be expected to meet alone, and many people with chronic immune conditions may be eligible without realising it. Details of the Access to Work scheme are correct as of 30 April 2026. It’s worth checking https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work for the most current information, as the scheme can change.

Why this matters

Workplace adjustments sometimes come with costs that employers, particularly smaller ones, may struggle to absorb. Access to Work fills that gap by funding support directly, which can make adjustments more feasible and reduce some of the friction around asking for them.

What Access to Work can cover

The scheme can fund a wide range of support depending on individual need. This may include specialised equipment or software, adaptations to existing equipment, a support worker or job coach, travel costs where public transport isn’t possible due to the condition, and communication support such as sign language interpreters.

It isn’t a loan and doesn’t need to be repaid. Funding is paid directly to the individual or to service providers rather than through the employer. It’s also worth noting that Access to Work is designed to cover support beyond what employers are already legally required to provide under the Equality Act 2010, complementing rather than replacing reasonable adjustments.

Who is eligible

Access to Work is available to employees, self-employed people, and those about to start a new job. There’s no income threshold. The condition doesn’t need to meet the legal definition of disability, only that it creates a practical barrier to work. Many people with chronic immune conditions, including those managing fatigue, pain, or unpredictable flares, may qualify.

How to apply

Applications are made directly through the government website rather than through an employer, though it may be worth speaking to the employer first to discuss potential adjustments before applying. The process involves describing the condition, how it affects work, and what support might be needed. An adviser may then be in touch to discuss the application and carry out an assessment of need.

At some point during the process, the Access to Work team will need to confirm details with the employer, with permission, in order to authorise support or funding reimbursements. It may be worth giving the employer a heads-up that this could happen.

The process may differ for civil servants, check with your employer or HR team for the approach that applies to you

What you could do

  • It may be worth speaking to the employer about potential adjustments before applying, as this can help shape what to request
  • Keeping a record of how the condition affects work practically could support the application
  • Checking the Gov.uk Access to Work page for current eligibility criteria and the application process is advisable, as details can change

This article is for general information purposes only and doesn’t constitute legal, financial or benefits advice. For advice specific to your situation, please speak to a qualified professional or contact an organisation such as Citizens Advice, who may be able to assist you further.

References:

‘Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition’ (2024) https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

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