Access to Work
The UK government recognises ADHD as a mental health condition, which means you may be eligible for a grant of up to £62,900 per annum. The grant can help you fund practical support for your work, mental health support and communication support at job interviews.
Eligibility
According to the UK government’s website, you must:
have a physical or mental health condition or disability and need support to do your job or get to and from work
be 16 or over
be in paid work (or be about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks)
live and work (or be about to start or return to work) in England, Scotland or Wales – there’s a different system in Northern Ireland
Work includes full or part-time employment, self-employment, an apprenticeship, a work trial or experience, an internship or a work placement.
No matter how much you earn or save, you can claim Access to Work, and it won’t affect other benefits you get as long you work more than 1 hour a week.
Check your eligibility and apply on the UK government website.
What Access to Work Covers
The UK government gives examples of support that the grant covers:
BSL interpreters, lip speakers or note takers and other communication support if you have difficulty communicating
Vehicle adaptations or taxi fares to help you get to work
Practical workplace support, such as a support worker or job coach
A tailored plan to help you get or stay in work
One-to-one sessions with a mental health professional
According to ADHD UK, ADHDers have claimed ADHD coaching, noise-cancelling headphones and significant workplace support under Access to Work.
After You Apply
Somebody from Access to Work will contact you about your application. You may be asked how ADHD impacts your work. A request may be made to speak to your employer or to view your workplace.
If successful, you’ll then receive a letter specifying the grant you’ll get and what for. It’s not clear how long it takes from assessment to decision; however, some sources point to up to 12 weeks or longer.
