Access to Work is a government-funded grant scheme to help people with disabilities - and those with a physical or mental health condition - to start or stay in work.
The grant can help pay for specialist software - such as our very own Read&Write for Work software, adapted equipment, a support worker or travel expenses to and from work depending on the needs of the employee.
If an Access to Work assessor has recommended Read&Write Gold, you're in the right place - this is a legacy name for Read&Write for Work.
Would you like to provide additional support to your staff?
Did you know the Access to Work Grant Scheme could fund 100% of the support required?
Small businesses generally don’t pay anything - Access to Work will normally meet 100% of the costs of any adaptations, equipment or training for small businesses (less than 50 employees).
Medium-sized businesses may have to meet a small proportion of the cost-for existing employees only. You will only have to share the cost for special aids and equipment, or adaptations to premises or equipment. Access to Work normally covers 100% of the cost of travel and support workers.
In all cases, Access to Work normally pays grants of up to 100% for any new employees (someone who has been in the role for 6 weeks or less).
Do you have a question about Access to Work?
Our team of customer relationship experts have years of experience with this grant scheme and are happy to support you in any way they can.
It’s in your best interest to have a workforce that’s reflective of the community you serve. This means that ideally, your workforce should include around 20% of people with disabilities.
There are people with disabilities in your workplace, how well are they supported?
Did you know?
Read&Write, is our inclusive software that gives all staff the individualised support they need.
A handy toolbar that integrates seamlessly with all the applications staff already use and can be customised to suit individual needs and preferences.
It helps individuals with neurodiverse conditions that are often invisible, like dyslexia, autism, Asperger’s, dyspraxia, and ADHD, to become more productive in the workplace.
96% of illnesses are invisible and 60% of people with a chronic invisible illness are aged between 18-64 (working age)
You can purchase a single copy of Read&Write on a three year term for an individual through the Access to Work scheme or you can contact us directly to discuss group and enterprise licencing options that are more inclusive and may even be more cost-effective.
“Texthelp are also great partners to work with - there’s a genuine enthusiasm for supporting every individual’s literacy journey that goes far beyond choosing the right technology.”
Drive diversity and inclusion in your workplace. Attract, retain and nurture employees of all capabilities.
Access to Work is a government-funded grant scheme to help people with disabilities - and those with a physical or mental health condition - to start or stay in work. Learn more about the scheme.
Access to Work can help pay for support you may need because of a disability or long term health conditions. Learn more about the support provided.
Not everyone is eligible. For example, you can apply for Access to Work if you are normally resident in, and working in, Great Britain. Learn more about who’s eligible.
You might not get Access to Work if you get certain benefits. Learn more about the exceptions.
The grant will only cover the support needed to let you stay in work. See examples of what the grant can pay for.
If you change employers, you may be able to transfer equipment to your new employer. Learn more about changing jobs.
You can apply online, call JobCentre Plus, or write directly to Access to Work. Get the contact details here.
When you contact the Access to Work team, there are a number of things you may need such as your National Insurance number. Learn more about what you need to make a claim.
Access to Work has implemented a number of changes in response to the global COVID pandemic. Read more about the changes here.
Many employers are asking employees to adapt their working arrangements and environments. Read more about Access to Work’s new Blended Support Offer that will soon be available.
Read&Write, is inclusive software from Texthelp, that gives all staff the individualised support they need. Learn more about Read&Write.