ACCESS TO WORK

I can discuss ways in which I can support you through access to work, and provide a free, no-obligation letter that outlines the benefits a virtual assistant would give you in the workplace, and a quote for services for the Assessor. This quote is not a medical assessment and does not replace a note from your doctor.

Each person can currently receive up to £66,000 a year of funding from Access to Work, so there may be other things you would like to ask for.  Think of the most important things that would help you in the workplace and make a list. 

If you are unsure what you need and want additional support, we can discuss specific ideas (and make a start on the application!) in a one-hour billable session (many charities also provide this service for free!) 

The important thing is not to think about this so hard that you are losing time on the wait list. Put the most important things down and apply! Assessors do not only grant you what you have asked for, but will often have suggestions for other things you may not even know exist yet, based on what challenges you present them with. Don't overthink it!

Note: Access to Work cannot provide you with things that are considered "reasonable adjustments" as employers must meet these by law.  For example, your employer must, by law, purchase a ramp if you need one in order to access the building. Access to work could grant you access to awareness training for colleagues to understand why it is important for spaces to be accessible and key facts around your condition.

Apply for Access to Work, including the letter I have provided as additional evidence. If you require support with the application form, I can do this on your behalf as a billable service (this is not covered by Access to Work). You can apply online or via Phone/ Relay UK.

Once your application is completed, all you can do is wait. You will receive an email of confirmation that will guide you on the current waiting times, but there may be further delays that will make the wait longer. Do not be worried if you haven't heard back at this time or received an email if you have confirmation that you have applied.

When it is time, you will receive contact from DWP to arrange your assessment date. The assessment is typically an hour long, where you are asked leading questions to help them understand your condition and barriers in the workplace. This is not a vigorous assessment like PIP, and there are no tricks to what they're asking. They are aiming to understand you correctly so they can then suggest appropriate support for you within the call.

After your assessment, you will receive a copy of the final report detailing your needs and what you have been awarded. It may not be immediate due to internal processes in DWP and postage times. You will be asked during your assessment if it is okay to share the report with your manager (if you have one). It is only at this point, once you agree, that your manager will receive anything from access to work regarding your claim, and they will not know at this point you have a claim unless you have told them. As Access to Work is a grant to the company, your manager will require a copy of the report in order to approve any purchases.

Access to Work grants are a grant to the company you work for, so depending on the size of the company, the grant may not cover 100% of all costs. It is strongly advised that a company fulfils an access to work request, as it can appear legally questionable if they refuse this support, and then you are unable to continue with the job as a result. 

You should not be asked to pay for any portion of the claim, as the items and services you are buying become assets of your company, and you may be asked to return them if/when you leave the company. Scope has a useful article all about keeping disability equipment when you leave your job.

Items must be purchased in full first before a company can claim the money back. Typically, this falls on a colleague in finance or HR to purchase these items for you, but it can fall on the individual. If there is no one suitable to process your claims a virtual assistant can support you with this, and you may wish to ask your employer for help with booking a support worker first so that you can get help with completing the rest of your claim.

At the end of your claim period, you will be contacted by Access to Work to see if you would like a renewal. If you have software on a license, support workers, or have new needs, it's most likely a "yes"! You will be asked to submit a renewal claim with any evidence, which will be reviewed by an assessor.