Access to Work for ADHD: a plain-English guide
Access to Work is a government scheme that can pay for practical help you need to do your job. This guide explains who can apply, what it can and cannot fund, and how to prepare your application.
What Access to Work is
Access to Work is run by the UK government. It helps people with a physical or mental health condition, including ADHD, to cope with the parts of work that their condition makes harder. It goes beyond the reasonable adjustments an employer must already make.
Support is decided case by case. An adviser looks at the work you do, how your condition affects it, and what would help. Money is not usually repaid, and it is paid for the support you agree, not for general living costs.
Source: GOV.UK, Access to Work staff guide.
Who can apply
You will generally need to meet all of the following:
- You are 16 or over.
- You have a physical or mental health condition that affects your ability to work, or to get to work.
- You have the right to work in Great Britain, and you live and work in England, Scotland or Wales.
- You are in paid work, self-employed, about to start paid work, or returning to it.
Applicants who have an interview coming up for a paid job can also apply. Some people are not eligible:
- People living in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. Northern Ireland has its own system.
- Civil servants generally cannot apply. Public servants can. Check your own position with your employer or the adviser.
- People receiving certain benefits, such as Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance. There are exceptions, for example for interviews, work trials and permitted work.
Source: GOV.UK, Access to Work staff guide, sections 1 and 2.
Does ADHD count?
The scheme uses the disability definition in the Equality Act 2010. A condition counts if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your ability to do your job.
Mental health conditions are covered by this definition. You usually do not need medical evidence to apply, and the adviser decides what support is needed based on how the condition affects your work.
Note: Access to Work does not pay for treatment or for diagnostic assessments. If you are not yet diagnosed, you would need to go through your GP or an assessment service separately. An application does not depend on having a diagnosis, but the adviser's decision will depend on how your needs are described.
Source: GOV.UK, Access to Work staff guide, sections 1 and 2.
What it can pay for
The scheme can help with these types of support. Your adviser decides which ones fit your needs.
Travel
Help with travel during working hours, and travel to and from work.
Support workers
Help from a person who supports you at work. The scheme lists this as a support type, and the details depend on your case.
Equipment and special aids
Items that help you do your job, which may include software, assistive technology or specialist equipment.
Adaptations
Changes to premises or equipment that make your workplace easier to use.
Communication support
For example, support at a job interview. Interpreters and other third parties can also help with an application.
Other support
Miscellaneous support that meets your needs, where the adviser agrees it is the most cost-effective option.
What it does not pay for
- Reasonable adjustments your employer must already provide.
- Treatment or diagnostic assessments.
Cost-effectiveness and employer contributions
The scheme aims to agree the most cost-effective support that fully meets your needs. If you or your employer choose a more expensive option, the difference may need to be paid by you or your employer. Some employers contribute to the cost, depending on their size.
Source: GOV.UK, Access to Work staff guide, sections 1 and 4.
How to apply
- Gather your information. Your employer's contact details, or your Unique Taxpayer Reference if you are self-employed, and a clear description of your condition and how it affects your work.
- List your needs. Write down what makes work harder and what would help. Use the tool below to prepare.
- Apply online through the official Access to Work service on GOV.UK. You can also ask about other ways to apply if you cannot use the online form.
- Speak to an adviser. They will ask about your needs and may need to contact your employer, with your permission.
- Expect an assessment. Advisers can ask for more evidence, and may arrange an assessment of your workplace or specialist needs.
- Receive your award letter. It sets out the support agreed and what it is for. Keep it.
- Claim costs as they arise, using the claim process in your award letter.
You can apply up to 12 weeks before a new job starts.
If you disagree with a decision, ask the adviser how to challenge it. Your award letter should explain the process. Keep a record of every conversation and every document you send.
Source: GOV.UK, Access to Work staff guide, sections 1, 3 and 4. Application steps are summarised from the guide. Check the current online form on GOV.UK for the exact questions.
If you are self-employed
- You need a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
- The adviser checks that your business is viable, measured against the Lower Earnings Limit, which is £6,708 for 2026 to 2027.
- New businesses have a three-year test-trading period.
- Freelancers and contractors can apply for a period covering several pieces of work, but support is only paid during active work periods, and you must provide evidence for each one.
Source: GOV.UK, Access to Work staff guide, section 4.
Other routes into support
Access to Work also covers several other situations.
| Situation | What the guide says |
|---|---|
| Interviews and work trials | Work trials last between one day and six weeks, and must be linked to a genuine vacancy. |
| Work experience | Placements of 5 to 40 working days within a rolling 12 months. The scheme pays the costs of the placement, including travel. |
| Supported internships | For ages 16 to 24 (or 25 in some cases). Job coach support is available for up to 26 weeks, with limited extensions in exceptional cases. |
| Apprenticeships | The employer's cost-share status stays the same for the whole three-year Access to Work period, if the apprentice stays with the same employer. |
| Training | Training connected to a paid job can be funded. It cannot be funded for people receiving benefits or a training allowance. |
| Changing employer | If you change job after applying, the case manager takes the new job details and continues the application without a new submission. |
Source: GOV.UK, Access to Work staff guide, sections 1 and 2.
Tools to help you prepare
These tools do not make a decision and do not check your eligibility officially. They help you prepare questions and information for an adviser.
1. Eligibility checker
2. Support needs builder
Tick what makes work harder, then print or copy the list to take to your adviser.
3. Application checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your progress is saved in this browser only.
Common questions
Do I need a formal ADHD diagnosis?
Medical evidence is not usually required, and the scheme uses the Equality Act definition of disability. The adviser decides what support is needed based on how your condition affects your work. If you are not diagnosed, your GP can discuss assessment options separately.
Will Access to Work pay for coaching?
Whether a particular type of support is funded depends on your case and what the adviser agrees. Ask the adviser directly, and do not assume a service is covered. Access to Work does not pay for treatment.
Does this scheme cover people who are not working yet?
You can apply if you have an interview coming up for paid work, or if you are about to start a paid job. You can apply up to 12 weeks before a start date.
Is my employer responsible for paying?
Your employer may have to contribute, depending on its size and the support agreed. Your award letter will say what is payable and how claims work.
Can someone help me with my application?
Yes. The guidance recognises that some people need an interpreter or another third party to help with the application, and that person can also help identify the support needed.
Sources and next steps
Check the figures and deadlines on GOV.UK before you apply. The scheme's rules and limits change.
Want help putting support in place?
If Access to Work funds support for you, or you are still deciding what to ask for, one-to-one coaching can help you turn it into routines that actually stick at work.
Book a free 20-minute call