About the Access to Work Grant
The Access to Work Grant aims to support you if you need aids or equipment to help you:
start work
return to work
remain in work
The grant is run and administered by the Customer and Local Services Department.
You can apply for a grant to buy aids or equipment up to the value of £5,000.
You can submit requests for other types of support, and these will be considered on a case by case basis.
Key objectives of the Access to Work Grant
The key objectives are to:
provide money to fund aids or equipment needed to help you start or remain in work
promote financial independence
help more people on health benefits move into work
Eligibility
You must:
have Entitled or Entitled to Work status (employers can't apply on behalf of their employees)
be able to provide evidence to confirm there is need for the aids or equipment requested
be in paid work, or returning to or starting a paid job
be in a work placement that is likely to turn into paid work (you must show proof of a job offer at the end of the work placement, such as an employment contract or letter from your employer)
Equipment liability
If you apply for the grant, you should ensure that the aids or equipment are kept in good working order. The equipment is for your use and should stay with you for use in the work environment.
Questions to ask before applying
Consider the following questions when deciding whether to apply for the Access to Work Grant:
do you have work-related obstacles or difficulties that could be overcome through using specific aids or equipment in your workplace?
are the aids or equipment that you need essential to help you do your job?
have you spoken to your employer to confirm you can use the aids or equipment in your workplace?
How to apply
Apply for the Access to Work grant
You can find further information in the
Access to Work Grant applicant guidelines