Access to Work

We can help individuals and organisations to apply for and use Access to Work grants.

We can help individuals and organisations to apply for and use Access to Work grants.

Price Match Promise: Genius Within will price match an Access to Work grant wherever possible.

Understanding Access to Work

Access to Work is a grant scheme provided by the UK Government’s Department for Work & Pensions. The scheme is there to help you to find or stay in work if you have challenges that may be related to any disability, physical health or mental health conditions. As soon as you have difficulties (or think you’re going to have difficulties) at work, you can refer yourself to this service and gain the support that you need to be at your best.

However, it is often misunderstood so it can appear hard to get the support you need.

We have been working with the scheme since it started and so we have learned a lot.

Read on for lots more helpful information to support you.

Use the form below (or linked above) if you already have an Access to Work grant and are ready to use it.

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Ready to Place Your Access to Work Order?

Just fill out the form below with your details and a copy of your grant. We’ll take care of the rest.

Before you get started…
To complete this form, you’ll need a couple of things handy:

  • A copy of your grant
  • Finance details (including your finance departments address and email)

We ask for the grant so we can match the prices and services you’ve been awarded, along with the start and expiry dates. It helps us make sure everything’s accurate and ready to go.

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Here is some guidance on to how to access the support you need with an Access to Work grant.

It should be noted that the process can take up to six months from application to receiving your grant.

Whilst waiting for your grant to be approved we would recommend using the My Genius Finder™ tool – this will provide you some useful strategies to work on whilst the application is being processed.

Please note. You do NOT need to have a formal diagnosis to apply for an Access to Work grant. The support you can get will depend on your needs. 

What will Access to Work pay for?

Access to Work could give you a grant to help pay for things like:

  • specialist equipment and assistive software.
  • support workers, such as a BSL interpreter, a workplace coach.
  • mental health or communications support.
  • costs of travelling to work if you cannot use public transport.
  • adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work.
  • physical changes to your workplace.

If you work from home, even just some of the time, your home can count as part of your workplace. Be sure to discuss this with the assessor.

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        The Process Explained

        It is a 4-step process

        1. Apply

        2. Assessment

        3. Purchase and put adjustments in place

        4. Learn, Develop, Adapt

        The Process Explained

        Step 1: Apply

        Apply online here at the Government website. If you are unsure what to write, you can call and speak to one of our Client Services Team colleagues on 01273 890 502 and they can talk you through it. Or email clientservices@geniuswithin.org

        Step 2: Assessment

        Once your application has gone through, you will receive a call from an assessor from the DWP, Maximus or Reed, who will arrange an assessment.

        Following the assessment, they will write a report recommending the support they think you need to perform effectively in your job. Recommendations can be for supportive adjustments such as:

        • physical changes to your workplace. 
        • specialist equipment and assistive software.
        • support workers, such as a BSL interpreter, a workplace coach.
        • mental health or communications support.
        • costs of travelling to work if you cannot use public transport.
        • adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work.
        • physical changes to your workplace. 

        Access to Work can even provide training for your colleagues in how to best support you and understand your condition or disability. This can be crucial for supporting non-apparent disabilities including neurodivergence, mental health, and where physical conditions affect thinking, as these are often harder for others to know about and understand what is going on for you.

        Step 3: Put Adjustments in Place

        If you work for a small employer (under 50 employees) the support is free of charge. If you are self-employed, the Access to Work scheme will refund the cost of any support ordered.

        However, if you work for a larger employer, they may need to contribute some or all the costs of equipment

        The costs of any coaching or training are currently covered in full by the grant, regardless the size of business. 

        Please note the employer would pay Genius Within in advance and claim the funds back from the grant once the sessions have taken place.

        Step 4: Learn – Develop – Adapt

        Once you have received your adjustments, there’s usually a period of training, such as how to use new technology, co-coaching with your line manager to navigate communication difficulties, or strategy coaching to help you to use your strengths to overcome any difficulties that you have – whatever it is it doesn’t happen overnight!

        Review The Impact

        Here’s an example of the impact from one individual:

        “I’m more productive in my meetings, and my to-do list is more manageable. I’m no longer procrastinating about writing long reports. Even my line manager has noticed the difference. Having come out the other side, if I’d done this years ago who knows how far I would have gotten in my career now as everything is easier, quicker and a lot less stressful.”

        Frequently Asked Questions: Access to Work

        Got questions? We’ve got answers.

        Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get.

        And if you don’t see your question here, no worries—just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

        Frequently Asked Questions

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