Access to Work Guide
Discover Access to Work and frequently asked questions about the support programme. Download our step-by-step guide detailing how it works, and how you can access it.
AtW is a government scheme that provides personalised support and financial assistance for neurodiversity-related, mental health, or physical conditions to overcome barriers they may face. The goal is to ensure individuals have equal employment opportunities and can fully participate at work.
You are eligible for an AtW grant if you have a neurodiversity, illness, or health condition which means you need support to do your job (you do not need to be diagnosed with a condition to apply) You must also:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Employed in a paid job (or be about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks)
- Can be in full or part-time work which includes (self-employment, apprenticeship, work experience, internship, and work placement)
- Live and work in England, Scotland or Wales (there’s a a different system in Northern Ireland)
AtW offers grants to cover various expenses including:
- Neurodiversity coaching and co-coaching
- Assistive technology and training
- Neurodiversity training
- Disability Impact Training
- Job aide support
- Travel costs
Thriiver delivers the above through Access to Work funding
The amount you receive is dependent on each individual and what support they require in the workplace.
In some cases, your employer may be asked to contribute towards the cost of support. This depends on factors such as company size, the type of support, and how long you’ve been employed.
Access to Work (AtW) may cover up to 100% of costs for:
- Self-employed individuals
- Employees in post for less than 6 weeks
- Mental health support services
- Specialist support workers
- Small organisations (0–49 employees)
In other situations, AtW may reimburse up to 80% of approved costs between a set
threshold and £10,000, with employers covering the remainder.
Download our handy step-by-step guide detailing how AtW works, and how you can access it.
Download our handy employer’s guide explaining how AtW supports businesses, what employers can expect from the process, and how to access the support available.
FAQs
Timeframes vary depending on DWP processing, but support can often begin quickly once approved.
Yes. In many cases, you can choose who delivers your support once funding is approved.
No formal diagnosis is needed to apply. Eligibility is based on how your neurodiversity, disability, or mental health affects your ability to work.
Yes. Employers can support or initiate an application on behalf of employees.
Yes. Thriiver delivers coaching, awareness training, assistive technology, and workplace support that can be funded through the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme.
