Access to Work ADHD Support: Your Plain English Guide

Hello!

Here’s something surprising – only 1 in 100 eligible people use the Access to Work scheme ADHD support grant. That’s right – this ADHD grant offers up to £62,900 yearly, yet most people don’t know about it. If you’re wondering about ADHD benefits for adults UK, this could be a game-changer.

The grant helps pay for:

• Workplace coaching
• Specialised equipment
• Travel costs
• Practical support at work

Best part? The whole thing takes 20 minutes to sort out. Once approved, your support runs for three years before needing a quick check. You won’t lose any other benefits, and there’s nothing to pay back.

Got a job? Self-employed? Starting your own thing? The Access to Work scheme works for all these situations. Let’s look at how to get this ADHD funding sorted for you.

What is Access to Work for ADHD?

“Access to Work helps people with disabilities or health conditions to start/stay in work. Through the scheme, you can access funding for specialised equipment, a support service, disability awareness training, ADHD coaching, travel costs, and more!” — Leanne Maskell, ADHD coach and Access to Work expert

Access to Work helps people with ADHD by providing significant workplace support thrive at work. The Department for Work and Pensions runs this programme to knock down workplace challenges through practical help and money [1]. But you might be wondering, is ADHD a disability? In the context of workplace support, ADHD can be considered a disability if it significantly impacts your ability to work. Additionally, ADHD is recognised as a mental health disability under the UK Mental Health Act (1990).

.For individuals with ADHD, this program can be transformative, providing crucial workplace support to manage their unique challenges. The program aims to offer work opportunities and keep individuals with ADHD on track in their jobs.

Individuals with ADHD can apply for various types of Access to Work support, whether they are in full-time or part-time paid work, permanent, casual, temporary, trial work experiences, or even self-employment. Support is customised to each individual’s needs, enabling effective role performance despite ADHD challenges.

What support can the Access to Work grant cover?

Access To Work grants are available to provide practical assistance with your job. Check out these lists for a complete list of support services in your workplace. Adapted equipment to facilitate your use. You can also contribute towards the cost of traveling or modifying a car. An interpreter is also available during job interviews if there is trouble communicating. Some practical assistance at work like job coaching or note taking or lip speaking skills. This is a set of accommodations which ADHD clients have requested from ADHD UK.

How the grant helps with ADHD

We’ve seen the grant work wonders for people with ADHD. Here’s what you can get:

• ADHD coaching to boost your work skills
• Proper kit like noise-cancelling headphones
• One-to-one chats for mental health support
• Someone to help with admin tasks
• Job interview support
• Significant workplace support
• Clever software for planning and mind mapping [8]

Want a standing desk to help with fidgeting? Need flexible working patterns for medication? Need to access support for a job interview. Yes, access to work can provide a job coach to help prepare for a job interview. The programme sorts that too [6]. These are just a few examples of ADHD workplace support that can make a real difference.

Communication support for job interviews

Access to Work will give you the support needed to make your interview more productive.

Maximum funding available

Let’s talk money. Right now, you can get up to £62,900 per year [6]. If you’re wondering how much is the Access to Work grant, here’s how the funding works:

• Self-employed? You’ll likely get all approved costs covered
• Employed? Get up to 80% back for costs under £10,000
• Spending over £10,000? The grant usually covers that too, up to the maximum [6]

Your support runs for three years before needing a quick check [6]. Not happy with what you’re offered? You can appeal – and extra evidence often helps win these [6].

Work from home sometimes? No problem. The grant covers hybrid working [6]. Can’t use public transport? They’ll help with travel costs too [3].

The brilliant thing about Access to Work? It fits around you. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or somewhere in between, we make sure you get the right support for managing ADHD symptoms at work [6].

Eligibility Criteria for ADHD Support

Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for Access to Work support under the UK government programme. These requirements ensure that individuals receive the assistance they need. They must be over 16 years old and either employed or about to start paid work. Residency is also a key factor; applicants must reside and work in the UK, specifically in England, Scotland, or Wales. These requirements ensure support reaches those actively engaged in the workforce and needing assistance.

Although a formal ADHD diagnosis isn’t required, it can increase the chances of receiving support. The program also caters to various types of paid work, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and self-employed positions. This broad eligibility spectrum ensures that many individuals with ADHD can access the support they need to manage their work circumstances successfully.

Basic eligibility rules

You can apply if you:

• Are 16 years or older [6]
• Have a physical or mental health condition that affects your work
• Need help with work tasks or getting to work
• Work at least one hour every week

Here’s something helpful – your bank balance doesn’t matter for this grant [6]. Plus, you can keep getting other benefits as long as you’re doing those minimum hours. If you’re wondering “is ADHD a disability UK?”, the answer is yes when it comes to workplace support and reasonable accommodations.

Employment status requirements

The brilliant thing about Access to Work? It works for loads of different job setups:

• Regular employment (full-time or part-time)
• Working for yourself
• Apprenticeships
• Work trials and experience
• Internships
• Work placements [6]

Starting a new job? You’ll need to begin work within 12 weeks of applying [6]. Running your own business? Keep your accounts handy – you might need to show these or your business plan [7].

Location restrictions

Where does Access to Work run? Let’s make it clear:

• Yes: England, Scotland, and Wales
• Different system: Northern Ireland
• Not available: Channel Islands and Isle of Man [6]

Work from home? No problem. The grant works just as well for remote workers, whether you’re home full-time or mixing it up [6]. Your boss usually chips in about 20% of the costs [7]. Self-employed? You might get everything covered.

Remember: The programme fits around your working pattern. That’s what makes it so handy for managing ADHD impact on work.

How to Apply for Access to Work

Applying for Access to Work involves several steps. First, check your eligibility. Provide details on how your condition affects your work and the specific support you need. For self-employed individuals, including the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is essential.

The application must include personal and contact details, job title, employer information, and employment status. It’s also important to provide contact details for a workplace contact who can validate your employment. You can request the application form in alternative formats, such as braille or large print, to accommodate different needs.

Applications can be submitted online or via phone, making the process accessible to everyone. Ensuring all required information is included and accurate will help streamline the application process and increase the chances of receiving support.

Getting Your Application Ready

Let’s get your paperwork sorted. Having everything ready before you start makes things much smoother. Here’s what you need.

Documents you need

First up, the basic bits:

• Your ID and how to reach you
• National Insurance number
• Contract or job offer letter
• Where you work (address and postcode)
• Any workplace adjustments you already have
• Travel details, if you need them [1]

Running your own business? You’ll need your UTR number too [1]. Got any receipts for things that help you work? Keep those handy.

Proof of ADHD diagnosis

Here’s something interesting – you don’t actually need an official ADHD diagnosis to apply [8]. But if you’ve got medical paperwork, it helps. Things like:

• Reports from your doctor
• Letters from mental health experts
• Notes about workplace help you’ve had before
• Examples showing how ADHD affects your work [8]

Work details to gather

Now for the nitty-gritty about your job:

• What you do and your job title
• When you work
• How to contact your employer
• Someone at work who can vouch for you [1]

The really important bit? Write down how ADHD impacts your daily work tasks [3]. Think about things like:

• Sorting out what to do first
• Getting time management right
• Staying focused when it’s noisy
• Keeping organised
• Remembering important stuff

Your workplace contact needs proper authority to confirm things and okay any payments [9]. Don’t worry – we won’t ring them without asking you first [1].

Remember to mention any help you already get at work, plus what else you think might help [8]. This gives the assessors a clearer picture of what you need.

Fill Out Your Application Form

Ready to tackle the form? It might look tricky, but we’ll sort it together. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes [8]. This is where you can access to work claim online.

Getting started

Pop over to the Access to Work webpage and hit ‘Start now’ [4]. The form wants to know:

• Your details and how to reach you
• Where and how you work
• How ADHD affects your job
• What sort of help you need

Running your own show? Keep that UTR number handy [1]. Once you’ve sent everything off, someone will ring you within seven days [10].

Telling your ADHD story

Here’s the clever bit – explaining how ADHD shows up at work. Think about:

• Those tricky moments when tasks pile up
• When deadlines slip through your memory
• How noisy offices mess with your focus
• Times when everything feels too much
• Money matters at work [5]

Already got some workplace tricks up your sleeve? Tell us about those too [3]. Helps us see what’s working for you.

Watch out for these hiccups

Want to dodge the common form fails? Here’s what trips people up:

1. Not linking your ADHD challenges to your actual job
2. Forgetting to mention help you already have
3. Skipping important contact details [1]
4. Missing out travel needs
5. Not keeping copies of what you send [11]

Remember: No formal ADHD diagnosis? No problem [12]. We care more about how ADHD affects your work day.

Stuck with the form? Citizens Advice or your local Job Centre can help [4]. Or grab a mate who’s good with paperwork – sometimes two heads are better than one.

The Assessment Process

Let’s talk about what happens after you send off your form. The assessment bit helps work out exactly what support you need. Here’s the whole story.

What happens in assessment

A case manager rings you within seven days [13]. The chat happens in one of three ways:

• Over the phone
• Video call
• Face-to-face at your workplace

Can’t do phone or video? No worries – other options exist, including British Sign Language help [13]. The whole thing feels quite relaxed. They’re more interested in finding solutions than picking apart your diagnosis.

The assessor (usually someone hired by the government) looks at:

• What you do day-to-day
• Your ADHD-related challenges [link_11]
• How your workplace works now
• Ways to make things better

Questions they might ask

Here’s something helpful – it’s more like a friendly chat than an exam [2]. They’ll want to know about:

• Your typical day at work
• Bits of the job you find tricky
• Clever ways you’ve found to cope
• How ADHD shows up in your work
• Any help you already get

Sometimes they fancy a chat with your boss or a peek at your workplace [12]. Makes sense – helps them understand where you’re working.

The whole thing takes about an hour [link_12] [2]. After that, they write up a proper report with suggestions [14], like:

• ADHD coaching
• mental health support
• Someone to help with admin
• Useful tech and gadgets
• Changes to your workspace

You and your boss get a letter about your funding when it’s all sorted [14]. Need to change your assessment date? Just ring the folks who set it up [13].

Remember: They’re not there to catch you out – they want to help you shine at work [2]. The more open you are about tricky bits, the better they can help sort them.

What Support You Can Get

“Thanks to Access to Work, I no longer feel like this is the end of my working contribution. In fact, I am more of an asset to the workforce than I was before” — Sam Williams, Engineer and ADHD coach

Let’s peek at the goodies you can get through Access to Work. The programme’s got some proper clever stuff to help you shine at work.

ADHD coaching options

ADHD coaching sits right at the heart of things. Your coach helps sort:

• Time management tricks
• Getting organised (and staying that way)
• Work goals you can actually reach
• Better ways to chat with colleagues
• Feeling more confident at work [15]

Here’s something brilliant – you get to pick your coach [3]. Fancy someone who specialises in ADHD? Or prefer a general workplace coach? Your choice [4].

Workplace equipment examples

Ready to kit out your workspace? Based on what worked for others, you might get practical support including:

• Comfy furniture that helps you focus
• Standing desk (or a bouncy ball if that’s more your style)
• Extra screens for juggling tasks
• Job interview support
• A proper big desk for spreading out
• A chair that doesn’t make you fidget [3]

Got the wiggles? They might sort you with an under-desk treadmill or exercise bike [3]. Work from home? They can help pay for a spot in a coworking space [3]. These are all examples of reasonable accommodations that can make a big difference.

Software and tools available

The digital stuff’s pretty nifty too. Think:

• Mind mapping tools for when your brain’s going full speed
• Task managers like Monday.com or Asana
• Digital notebooks that won’t get lost
• Apps that stop you falling down internet rabbit holes
• Dragon Professional for talking instead of typing [3]

Plus all sorts of calendar tricks to keep you on track across your devices [3]. This assistive technology can be a game-changer for organization skills and productivity.

Want to know something impressive? The grant can dish out up to £66,000 worth of help each year [16]. Your boss might chip in for some kit, but Access to Work usually covers all the coaching costs [16].

The clever bit? Everything’s matched to what you actually need. No one-size-fits-all here – just proper support that helps you crack on with your job [12].

After Your Grant is Approved

Got your grant? Brilliant! Let’s sort out what happens next. The exciting bit starts now, though things might feel a bit wobbly at first.

Setting up your support

Your decision letter’s landed – now for the proper stuff. The setup typically takes up to 12 weeks if you’re employed [8]. Starting a new job soon? You’ll jump the queue if you’re starting within four weeks [10].

Your case manager cooks up a support package just for you. They’ll sort:

• Tweaks to your workplace
• Getting your software running
• Booking your first coaching sessions
• Travel bits and bobs, if you need them

Claiming expenses

Here’s something important – how you claim depends on whether you’re employed or not. If you’re employed, you’ve got two ways to go:

1. Online claims (you’ll need):
   • Your email
   • A mobile phone
   • National Insurance number
   • Two ways to prove who you are [17]
2. Old-school postal claims with the form in your letter [17]

Remember: Whatever way you choose, keep:

• Records with dates on
• All your receipts (the original ones)
• Bank details for payments [17]

Work for yourself? Money comes straight to you. Everyone else – your boss might need to buy things first [8]. Don’t dawdle though – you’ve got nine months to claim what’s yours [8]. You or your employer may need to pay some costs upfront and claim them back later after approval from Access to Work.

Regular reviews

Your support runs for three years before needing a quick check [9]. But give us a shout if:

• Your condition changes
• Your job changes
• Your workplace shifts about
• You need different support [9]

Need changes? Just ring the Access to Work team. We’re pretty flexible about sorting things as they pop up [9].

Need a hand? The helpline’s open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm [17]. They’ll help with:

• Sorting claims
• Setting up your account
• Renewing your grant
• Extra funding questions [17]

Right now, you can get up to £69,260 each year [18]. That’s proper support for whatever you need at work.

Conclusion

Want to know something brilliant? Access to Work changes lives. Up to £62,900 every year for ADHD support at work. Proper life-changing stuff.

Remember those noise-cancelling headphones I mentioned? Got them through Access to Work. Plus some cracking ADHD coaching. Made such a difference – suddenly my to-do list wasn’t quite so scary.

Yes, there’s paperwork. Yes, you need to sort your documents. But take it step by step, and it all falls into place. Tell them clearly how ADHD affects your work, keep your papers handy, and you’ll be fine.

The best bit? It actually works. Those headphones helped me focus in our noisy office. The coaching taught me tricks I use every day. Now I’m getting more done than ever.

Struggling with ADHD at work? Schedule a free call for ADHD coaching and find out how Access to Work could help. The government’s put this money aside specially for people like us – might as well use it to make work better, right?

FAQs

Q1. What types of support can I request through Access to Work for ADHD?

Access to Work can provide funding for various supports, including specialized equipment like noise-cancelling headphones, assistive technology, ADHD coaching, workplace adaptations, and even travel assistance if public transport is challenging.

Q2. How much funding is available through the Access to Work grant for ADHD?

The Access to Work grant amount can provide up to £62,900 per year for individuals with ADHD or other conditions that affect their ability to work. This substantial amount can cover a wide range of workplace supports and adaptations.

Q3. How do I apply for the Access to Work grant?

To apply, visit the official Access to Work webpage and complete the online application form. The process takes about 20 minutes and requires information about your employment, ADHD impacts, and support needs. An assessor will contact you within seven days of submission.

Q4. Do I need a formal ADHD diagnosis to apply for Access to Work?

While a formal ADHD diagnosis can strengthen your application, it is not mandatory. The assessment focuses on how your condition affects your work performance and what support could help overcome these challenges.

Q5. How long does the Access to Work support last?

Access to Work support typically lasts for three years before requiring a review. However, you can request a reassessment if your needs change due to alterations in your condition, job role, or workplace environment.

Q6. What is the purpose of the Access to Work program for individuals with ADHD?

The Access to Work program aims to assist individuals with ADHD in securing and retaining employment by offering essential support tailored to manage their condition in the workplace effectively.

Q7. What types of work are covered under the Access to Work program?

The Access to Work program covers a range of paid employment types, including full-time, part-time, temporary, permanent, casual work, trial work experiences, and self-employment. This ensures support for individuals in diverse working scenarios.

Q8. Do I need a formal diagnosis of ADHD to apply for Access to Work support?

A formal diagnosis of ADHD is not required to apply for Access to Work support, but having one can improve your chances of receiving assistance.

Q9. What kind of financial assistance does Access to Work provide?

Access to Work provides financial assistance of up to £66,000 per year for support services such as mental health resources, practical tools, and communication assistance. This funding aims to facilitate greater workplace inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.

Q10. How long does the application process take?

The application process can take up to 24 weeks for current employees, while those starting a new job soon will be prioritised. Therefore, applicants should factor in this duration when planning their schedules. However, if you are already working, you typically need to wait up to 12 weeks for your Access to Work application to be approved.

Q11. What to ask for with Access to Work with ADHD?

Access to Work can provide grants in the form of specialist hardware and software assistance. Providing assistance to workers such as interpreters in BSL jobs, and ADHD coaching

References

[1] – https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
[2] – https://www.theadhdadvocate.com/access-to-work-funding
[3] – https://adhduk.co.uk/access-to-work/
[4] – https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/access-to-work-grant-scheme
[5] – https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACCESS-TO-WORK.pdf
[6] – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-factsheet/access-to-work-factsheet-for-customers
[7] – https://www.adhd-360.com/access-to-work-adhd/
[8] – https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/eligibility
[9] – https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
[10] – https://www.deepwrk.io/access-to-work-adhd
[11] – https://jobaide.co.uk/access-to-work-guide-adhd/
[12] – https://adhdmentors.co.uk/access-to-work-adhd/
[13] – https://blog.rulemoney.co.uk/access-to-work-online-application-guide-adhd/
[14] – https://www.writeupp.com/blog/access-to-work-adhd
[15] – https://www.anitasndconsultancy.com/blog/access-to-work-assessment
[16] – https://www.diversityandability.com/access-to-work/
[17] – https://www.adhdcoaching.org/access-to-work-funding
[18] – https://www.adhdworks.info/access-to-work
[19] – https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/claiming-from-your-grant
[20] – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/leannemaskell_accesstowork-adhd-atw-activity-7222480822681894913-qUB5