What is the Access to Work grant?

Many disabled people are looking to enter or stay in employment. A grant under the Access to Work scheme, could help fund aids and adaptations, such as ramps.

What Resources Can The Grant Provide Funding For? 

Adaptations To Premises 

Ramps provide safe wheelchair access into buildings for individuals with physical disabilities. It’s essential that ramps comply with Parts M and K of the Building Regulations. We can assist you throughout the entire process, managing everything in-house—from estimates, site surveys to quotations, design, supply, and installation

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Estimates can be returned within 24hrs if there is clear information given, including project address, drawings, photos and contact details.

Widening Doors 

Doors can be widened to accommodate a wheelchair or powered chair.

 It is recommended that doors be automatic so disabled users can open them unassisted. 

Accessible Toilets & Changing Facilities 

Toilet facilities should be available for the disabled with enough room for an assistant if required.

Assistive Technology

There are different software and equipment that can aid those with learning difficulties and disabilities such as Dyslexia, Deaf or hard of hearing. 

Software can include: 

Staff Training

To ensure that disabled employees can successfully integrate into the workplace, training might be offered to colleagues. This can help staff gain understanding and insight into conditions. 

How much money will the grant cover?

It is assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the applicant's eligibility and needs. The applicant must have a paid job, or is about to start or return to one. 

The grant may cover 100% of the funding or it could be shared with the employer. For example, if the employee has been working for the company for more than 6 weeks when they apply for the grant; than the employer may have to assistant financially towards any adaptations or aids.

The level of grant offered will depend on:

Please note that there is a different system in Northern Ireland. 

Who should complete the application? 

The employee must complete the Access to Work application. However, the employer can be included in discussions. 

Claim by phoning Jobcentre Plus on:

Telephone: 0800 121 7479
Textphone: 0800 121 7579

Or online: https://www.get-disability-work-support.service.gov.uk/apply/eligibility/check-eligible

Once the employee has applied, the grant’s team will check for eligibility and may contact the applicant for additional information. 

The employer might be contacted too regarding any adaptation works or staff training.  

On-site assessment?

An assessor will visit the place of work to determine the applicant’s needs. 

 Approved contractors such as Rapid Ramp may also carryout out a feasibility visit, e.g. to determine if ramped access is possible. 

Please visit for official government website for further information on the Access to Work Grant

Sources:

Employing disabled people and people with health conditions, 25 March 2020 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employing-disabled-people-and-people-with-health-conditions/employing-disabled-people-and-people-with-health-conditions 

Access to work, January 2021 - https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/access-work

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