Access to Work for ADHD
If ADHD makes it harder to get started on tasks, keep track of changing priorities or manage a busy working day, practical support may be available. Access to Work is one route worth exploring.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work helps people with a disability or health condition start or stay in paid work. In Scotland, England and Wales, it offers grants towards practical support such as purchasing aids, travel and coaching.
Northern Ireland has its own Access to Work programme, with a separate application process. I welcome enquiries from across the UK.
Who may qualify?
ADHD can qualify under the Great Britain scheme if it means you need support to do your job or get to and from work. You can apply without a formal diagnosis if you meet the other eligibility criteria.
For a practical support grant in Scotland, England or Wales, you generally need to be 16 or over and live and work there, or be due to start or return to paid work there within 12 weeks. Part-time and home-based work can qualify. There are additional criteria for self-employment. Check your eligibility on GOV.UK.
What can an Access to Work grant help with?
A grant may help with assistive software, specialist equipment, a support worker or workplace coaching. What’s approved depends on your role and the barriers you face.
In some circumstances, support can include extra travel costs. Employers remain responsible for the reasonable adjustments they are legally required to make. See what Access to Work can provide.
How do I apply for Access to Work?
In Scotland, England and Wales, you can apply online through GOV.UK or call 0800 121 7479. In Northern Ireland, contact the Department for Communities or a work coach at your local Jobs and Benefits office.
Start with a couple of real examples from your working week. If instructions come through meetings, emails and messages, you might explain what happens when you have to pull them together and keep track of deadlines. Include what you’ve tried and what might help.
For a GOV.UK application, have your work details ready, including a workplace contact if you’re employed or your Unique Taxpayer Reference if you’re self-employed. The team may arrange an assessment and will write to you with its decision.
Can Access to Work help me access therapy?
In Scotland, England and Wales, the separate Access to Work Mental Health Support Service can offer one-to-one support with a mental health professional . Able Futures, one of the providers, can also help you find and access therapy.
For workplace mental health support, apply directly to either Able Futures or Maximus. The DWP’s practical grant guidance excludes treatment for a disability. Explore the workplace mental health service.
How I can help
Advocacy-informed application support
If the paperwork feels like another job on top of the one you’re already doing, we can take it one step at a time. We can go through the questions, organise your examples and prepare for a conversation about what would help you at work. You decide what to share and submit. Explore advocacy-informed support.
ADHD coaching for work
We start with what’s happening in your working week. Together, we can find a realistic way to plan your time, break down a task you keep getting stuck on or work out what to do when priorities change. Explore ADHD coaching.
Private counselling and therapy
If pressure at work is spilling over into the rest of your life, counselling gives you space to talk it through. We can explore what’s weighing on you, whether that’s anxiety, overwhelm or the impact of years of feeling misunderstood. We’ll go at a pace that feels right for you. Explore counselling.
Fees and funding
ADHD coaching is £85 per hour. Counselling and advocacy-informed support are each £55 per 50-minute session. View my published fees.
I work independently of the funding schemes. If you’d like to use an award for sessions, ask your case manager to confirm the service, your chosen provider and how payment works before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own coach or therapist?
You can put forward a workplace coach you’ve found yourself, even if other options were suggested. You can also choose your own private therapist, or ask your case manager about provider choice if your award specifically includes workplace support from a counsellor.
I’d always suggest having an informal chat with a few coaches or therapists before you decide. Ask how they work and what a session might look like. Then notice how you feel in the conversation. Do you feel listened to? Can you speak openly? It’s okay to take your time and find someone you feel comfortable working with.
Can I apply while waiting for an ADHD assessment?
Yes, in Scotland, England and Wales you can apply without a formal diagnosis if you meet the other criteria. Focus on how the difficulties affect your work and what practical support could make a difference.
Can I get in touch if I already have an award?
Yes, you’re welcome to enquire at any stage. If you already have an award, check what it covers before booking sessions you intend to claim for.
Get in touch
Whether you’re thinking about applying, already have an award or want to explore private coaching or counselling, you’re welcome to get in touch. A few lines about where you are in the process and what feels difficult at work are enough to start a conversation.