Access to Work checker
Access to Work is the most useful disability scheme most disabled workers have never heard of. It pays for equipment, support workers, taxis to work and mental health support. It is not means tested, it does not affect your benefits, and you never pay it back.
What this tool does not do
- It does not make a decision. Only the DWP, your council or the NHS can do that.
- Northern Ireland runs a separate scheme, so this does not apply there.
- It cannot tell you the size of an award. That is decided after an assessment of what you actually need.
- It is an estimate based on published rules and 2026/27 rates, not advice.
Common questions
Is Access to Work means tested?
No. Your income and savings make no difference, it does not affect any other benefits you get, and you never pay it back. The only income condition is for self-employed people, who need a turnover of at least £6,500 a year.
How much can I get?
The annual cap is £69,260 per person. Most awards are far smaller: a piece of equipment, taxi fares to work, or some hours of a support worker. The cap only matters for high-cost support like a full-time BSL interpreter.
Do I need a diagnosis?
No. You need a physical or mental health condition or disability that affects your ability to do your job. That includes conditions many people would not describe as a disability, such as anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, long COVID or chronic pain.
Can I apply before I start a job?
Yes. You can apply if you are about to start or return to paid work within 12 weeks. There is also separate support for communication at job interviews, which you can use before you have a job at all.
Will my employer have to pay?
Sometimes a share, depending on the size of the employer and whether the item is a reasonable adjustment they should provide anyway. You or your employer often pay up front and claim the money back.