If you’re neurodivergent and in paid work, Access to Work may help pay for coaching or business support that helps you work more effectively.
Access to Work is a UK government scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It provides practical and financial support if a disability or neurodivergent condition affects how you work.
Who Access to Work is for
You may be eligible if you are:
- In paid work, which can include self-employment, freelancing or running your own business as well as being employed.
- Or be about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks.
- Live and work in England, Scotland or Wales
- Have a disability, illness or health condition that means you need support to do your job. This can include e.g. ADHD, dyslexia or autism.
You do not need to be diagnosed with a condition to qualify. You don’t need to be struggling or ‘failing’ either.
If you are a neurodivergent higher education student…
There is separate funding available if you’re a student in higher education through Disabled Students Allowance. I offer mentoring and study skills support via this funding, but I’m only able to do this through a provider, Randstad. For more information please contact your university’s disabled students team.
How coaching can be funded
Access to Work can sometimes fund specialist coaching for people at work.
For neurodivergent self-employed people, this might include support with things like:
- Executive function (planning, prioritising, follow-through)
- Managing workload, energy and overwhelm
- Systems, routines and structure for running a business
- Decision-making, focus and consistency
- Communication, boundaries and self-management at work
How the process usually works
- You apply to Access to Work
You apply directly (online or by phone). The scheme is for you, not the coach. - An assessment is arranged
A workplace needs assessor will talk to you about your business, your work, and the challenges you experience. - Support is recommended
The assessor may recommend coaching as part of your support package. - Funding is agreed
If approved, Access to Work will confirm what they will fund and how payments work.
Important things to know
- Access to Work funding is not guaranteed and decisions are made by the assessor/DWP.
- You usually choose your own coach or provider.
- Coaching must be clearly linked to your work or business.
- Funding may cover all or part of the cost. If it’s only part of the cost you can ‘top up’ the funding yourself.
- It can take some time for you to be assessed and funding to be approved.
Want to explore this?
If you’re considering applying and want to check whether my coaching would be a good fit for your situation, you’re welcome to get in touch.
I’m happy to:
- Answer questions before you apply
- Give you a quote or breakdown if needed
- Where possible, tailor a coaching package that fits your funding.
If you’d have any more questions about using Access to Work to pay for coaching with me, please send me a message using my contact form, below and we can either have a chat on Zoom or exchange emails, whichever you prefer.