UK Government Scheme · DWP
Access to Work for ADHD —
up to £69,260 a year, funded by the government
One of the most valuable — and most overlooked — support schemes available to people with ADHD in the UK. Here is everything you need to know, in plain English.
✓ No diagnosis required to apply✓ Not means-tested✓ Won't affect your benefits✓ Covers ADHD coaching
Up to £69,260/yearNo Diagnosis RequiredADHD Coaching FundedAssistive TechnologyNot Means-TestedEngland, Scotland & WalesUp to £69,260/yearNo Diagnosis RequiredADHD Coaching FundedAssistive TechnologyNot Means-TestedEngland, Scotland & Wales
The basicsWhat is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It provides funding to cover the costs of practical support that helps people with disabilities or health conditions — including ADHD — get into work, stay in work, or start self-employment.
Unlike reasonable adjustments — which your employer is legally required to make at their own expense — Access to Work pays for support above and beyond that. The money goes directly to fund coaching, equipment, travel, and other practical help that makes a real difference.
Only 1 in 100 eligible people actually use it. If you have ADHD and you're in work, there's a strong chance you qualify — and a strong chance you've never applied.
What Access to Work covers for ADHD
The grant is flexible — it funds whatever removes the barriers your ADHD creates at work. Common examples include:
🧠
ADHD Coaching
Regular sessions with a specialist coach to build executive function strategies — planning, time management, organisation and focus.
💻
Assistive Technology
Software, apps, noise-cancelling headphones, dictation tools, mind-mapping apps, and specialist equipment tailored to your needs.
🚗
Travel Support
Taxis or travel assistance if your ADHD makes using public transport independently difficult or unreliable.
🧑💼
Support Worker / Job Coach
A person to help you manage complex tasks, navigate the workplace, or support you in getting to work.
💬
Mental Health Support
Counselling or structured one-to-one workplace mental health support through Able Futures or Maximus.
🏠
Home Office Adaptations
Physical changes to your workspace — including co-working space costs if working from home doesn't suit your ADHD.
This list is not exhaustive. The key question is whether the support directly removes a barrier your ADHD creates in performing your job. If it does, it is likely fundable.
The moneyHow much can you get?
£69,260
Maximum annual award (2025/26)
Uprated annually in line with national average salary
3 years
Grant duration before review
Renewable — a quick check confirms your ongoing needs
1 in 100
Eligible people who actually apply
The scheme is dramatically underused by those with ADHD
The grant is not a loan — you do not pay it back. It does not affect your salary, savings, or other benefits. If you are employed, there is no minimum earnings threshold. If you are self-employed, your annual turnover must be at least £6,500.
Am I eligible?Eligibility — what gov.uk doesn't make clear enough
The gov.uk page is accurate but written in a way that makes the scheme sound harder to access than it is. Here's what actually matters:
AgeYou must be 16 or over.
LocationYou must live and work in England, Scotland or Wales. There is a separate scheme in Northern Ireland.
EmploymentYou must be in paid work, or about to start or return to paid work within the next 12 weeks.
ConditionADHD is explicitly named as a qualifying condition on gov.uk. You do not need a diagnosis — but having one helps.
IncomeNot means-tested. Your salary, savings, or benefits do not affect your award.
Common questions answered
Do I need a formal ADHD diagnosis?+
No — and this is the most misunderstood part of the scheme. Gov.uk states clearly: "You do not need to be diagnosed with a condition to apply." That said, a diagnosis makes the process significantly smoother. Without one, you'll need to provide supporting evidence (GP letters, workplace records, self-assessment) showing how your condition affects your work. A formal diagnosis removes that barrier entirely.
Do I need to be employed?+
You need to be in paid work, or about to start or return to paid work within the next 12 weeks. This includes full-time, part-time, self-employment, apprenticeships, internships, work trials and placements. Self-employed applicants must have an annual turnover of at least £6,500.
Does my salary or savings affect eligibility?+
No. Access to Work is not means-tested. Your income, savings, or other benefits will not affect your eligibility or award amount.
Can I claim alongside other benefits?+
Yes — you can receive Access to Work alongside most benefits (including Universal Credit, PIP, and ESA), as long as you work more than 1 hour per week.
What if I work from home?+
Fully covered. Your workplace includes your home if you work there some or all of the time. Equipment, adaptations, and coaching can all be funded for home-based working.
Does it cover Northern Ireland?+
No — there is a separate scheme in Northern Ireland. Access to Work covers England, Scotland and Wales only.
How to apply for Access to Work
The process is straightforward once you know the steps. Here's what to expect:
01
Check eligibility
You're 16+, in paid work (or starting within 12 weeks), in England, Scotland or Wales. ADHD is explicitly listed by gov.uk as a qualifying condition.
02
Apply online or by phone
Apply at gov.uk/access-to-work or call 0800 121 7479 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm). Have your National Insurance number, employer details, and an idea of the support you need.
03
Workplace needs assessment
A case manager contacts you to discuss your needs. They may arrange an assessment — by phone, video call, or in person. If you already know what you need, you can skip the formal assessment.
04
Award confirmed
You receive a tailored support package. Grants run for up to 3 years before a review. You can appeal or request reconsideration if you disagree with the award.
05
Claim and renew
Costs can be paid upfront by you or your employer and claimed back. Keep receipts. Renew before your grant expires — you'll receive a reminder.
Access to Work helpline: 0800 121 7479 — Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If phone calls are difficult, you can request all communication by email.
5 myths that stop people applying
❌ Myth
"I need a diagnosis to apply"
✓ Reality
False. Gov.uk explicitly states you do not need a diagnosis. However, having one significantly speeds up the process and strengthens your case.
❌ Myth
"My employer has to pay"
✓ Reality
False. Access to Work is a government grant that pays directly for support costs your employer isn't legally required to cover. It's separate from reasonable adjustments.
❌ Myth
"It's only for severe disabilities"
✓ Reality
False. ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and depression are all listed qualifying conditions. The bar is whether your condition affects your ability to do your job — not how visible or severe it is.
❌ Myth
"It'll affect my other benefits"
✓ Reality
False. Access to Work grants do not count as income and will not affect Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, or any other benefit.
❌ Myth
"Self-employed people can't apply"
✓ Reality
False. Self-employed individuals are eligible, provided their annual turnover is at least £6,500.
You don't need one to apply — but it helps
Gov.uk is clear: you can apply without a formal diagnosis. However, without one you'll need to provide evidence showing how your condition affects your ability to work — GP letters, workplace records, or written self-assessment. This adds friction and can slow the process.
A formal ADHD diagnosis removes that barrier entirely, strengthens your application, and opens the door to other support — including reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, PIP, and Disabled Students' Allowance.
NeuroAxisGet a formal ADHD diagnosis — no GP referral required
NeuroAxis provides specialist ADHD assessments for adults and children aged 6–65. NMC-registered clinicians, no waiting list, results within days.
Further readingUseful links and related guidance
