DWP Support Scheme • UK 2026 Guide

Access to Work Grant Calculator & Claim Guide

Calculate estimated government grant funding for specialist ADHD coaching, assistive software, and workplace adjustments. 100% funded for eligible employees and self-employed professionals up to £69,260 per year.

Access to Work Grant Calculator

Official UK DWP Assessment Framework • Up to £69,260/yr statutory cap

Access to Work covers employees, self-employed individuals, company directors, and job offer holders across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Important: You do not need an official NHS or private diagnosis to apply. DWP evaluates workplace barrier impact, not medical paperwork.

Funding Pathways

What Can You Claim Through Access to Work?

Specialist 1-to-1 Coaching

Between 12 and 24 private sessions with a neurodiversity coach specialising in executive dysfunction, procrastination, burnout prevention, and focus strategies.

Typical Award: £1,800 – £3,600

Virtual Support Worker

Funded weekly hours for a strategy assistant or body-doubler who helps break complex assignments into manageable steps and assists with administrative follow-through.

Typical Award: £3,000 – £6,200/yr

Assistive Tech & Hardware

Software licences for Ayoa/MindManager, Dragon Speech Recognition, Brain in Hand, commercial noise-cancelling headphones, and desk acoustic partitions.

Typical Award: £800 – £2,200
Application Roadmap

How the Access to Work Claim Journey Works

1

Submit GOV.UK Claim

Complete the 15-minute digital form at GOV.UK explaining your job duties and how ADHD/autism affects your daily tasks.

2

DWP Case Assessment

An assessor conducts a friendly 45-minute telephone consultation to evaluate barriers and recommend tailored interventions.

3

Grant Award Letter

The DWP issues your formal grant entitlement document specifying allocated hours for coaching, equipment, and support.

4

Invoicing & Delivery

Your chosen accredited coaches and equipment vendors invoice the DWP portal directly. You pay nothing out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions About Access to Work Grants

Do I need a formal ADHD or Autism medical diagnosis to apply for Access to Work?

No. You do not need a formal NHS or private medical diagnosis to apply for Access to Work. Under DWP statutory guidance, eligibility is determined by whether you experience a physical or mental health condition or neurodivergence that substantially affects your ability to do your job. You can apply on the basis of self-identification, waiting list status, or documented workplace difficulties.

How much funding does Access to Work provide?

For the 2026/2027 statutory year, the maximum Access to Work grant is capped at £69,260 per person per year. Typical approved packages for neurodivergent employees and self-employed professionals range between £2,500 and £7,500 annually, covering specialist ADHD/autism coaching, assistive software, and virtual support workers.

Does my employer have to pay towards my Access to Work grant?

For self-employed professionals, freelancers, company directors, and micro/small businesses with under 50 employees, the DWP funds 100% of all approved support with £0 employer cost share. For medium and large employers (50+ staff), the employer contributes a small statutory threshold toward one-off equipment, while the DWP pays 100% of all ongoing support worker hours and specialist coaching.

Can I apply for Access to Work if I am self-employed or a director?

Yes. Self-employed individuals, sole traders, contractors, and Limited Company directors are fully eligible. For self-employed applicants, the DWP provides 100% funding with no employer contribution requirements.

How long does the Access to Work application process take?

Online applications take approximately 15 minutes to complete on GOV.UK. Following submission, a DWP case manager typically contacts you within 6 to 12 weeks to schedule an informal telephone assessment with a specialist workplace assessor to agree your support award.

Connect With Verified Access to Work Coaches

Explore our verified UK directory of ADHD coaches, workplace neurodiversity assessors, and trainers who accept DWP claim vouchers.