# Access to Work UK — grants for disability at work

> Work & self-employment · Last updated 22 August 2026

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## Quick answer

Access to Work is a DWP grant that can pay for equipment, travel, a support worker or workplace adaptations if you have a disability or health condition and you have a paid job, a job offer, or you are self-employed. It is not a replacement for PIP or ESA and it is not means-tested like Universal Credit. Apply at https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

## Who should skip this

Skip this if you are not in paid work and have no job start date. Volunteers and most unpaid internships do not qualify. This is not an Access to Work application form.

Access to Work sits beside benefits: PIP can pay extra costs at home; Access to Work pays extra costs of doing a job. Awards are individual. Your employer is expected to make reasonable adjustments first under the Equality Act 2010.

## Key facts

- You need a paid job, confirmed job offer, or self-employment — and a disability or health condition that affects work
- Grants can cover specialist equipment, travel to work, support workers and communication support
- Not means-tested; savings and PIP do not block a claim
- Apply before or shortly after you start — delays can leave you paying costs the grant would have covered

## What can Access to Work pay for?

Typical awards include adapted furniture or software, a support worker, British Sign Language interpreters, taxi travel if you cannot use public transport, and mental-health support in work. DWP agrees an award after an assessment. Your employer may share some costs for certain items.

It does not replace sick pay, ESA or PIP. You can get Access to Work and PIP together.

## How do I apply?

Use the GOV.UK Access to Work form. Have your employer’s details, job start date and a description of barriers at work. Self-employed people apply in their own name and need to show the business is live.

If DWP refuses or under-awards, you can ask them to look again. ACAS and Disability Rights UK explain reasonable adjustments if the problem is the employer, not the grant.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Access to Work affect Universal Credit?

The grant is for work costs, not a replacement of earnings. Tell your work coach about the job. Earnings still affect UC in the usual way.

### Can I apply before my first day?

Yes if you have a confirmed start date. Applying early helps equipment arrive on time.

## Primary source

https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

## Related

- [PIP explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/personal-independence-payment/)
- [New Style ESA](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/new-style-esa-explained/)
- [Statutory sick pay](https://moneyguide.org.uk/work-earnings/statutory-sick-pay/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.