Access to Work Grants Increased

People who are disabled or have a physical or mental health condition can now claim up to £57,200 a year in Access to Work grants.

The grants can pay for additional support that people may need in the workplace beyond reasonable adjustments.

The grants can cover:

•  workplace adaptations
•  assistive technology
•  transport
•  interpreters

Access to Work is part of a range of support available to ensure that people who are disabled or have a physical or mental health condition can enter and thrive in the workplace. It is part of the government’s plan to see one million more disabled people in work by 2027. 

ABC Note: 

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

The Equality Act 2010 doesn’t apply to Northern Ireland.

What ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ mean

‘substantial’ is more than minor or trivial, e.g. it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed

‘long-term’ means 12 months or more, e.g. a breathing condition that develops because of a lung infection

There are special rules about recurring or fluctuating conditions, e.g. arthritis.

Progressive conditions

A progressive condition is one that gets worse over time. People with progressive conditions can be classed as disabled.

However, you automatically meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you’re diagnosed with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis.

What isn’t counted as a disability

There’s guidance on conditions that aren’t covered by the disability definition, e.g. addiction to non–prescribed drugs or alcohol.