Access to Work Guide

A step-by-step guide for neurodivergent applicants — understand the process, explain your needs, and get the support you're entitled to

Access to Work is a Government grant scheme that can fund workplace support for people with a disability or health condition — including neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more.

This guide walks you through each stage of the application, from checking your eligibility to naming Fitting In as your support provider. You don't need a formal diagnosis in all cases — and you don't need to face this process alone.

Step 1Check Your Eligibility

You may be eligible for Access to Work if:

  • You have a disability, health condition, or neurodivergent condition that affects your ability to do your job
  • You are employed, self-employed, or about to start work (including an apprenticeship or work trial)
  • You are aged 16 or over and live in England, Scotland, or Wales
  • You are not receiving certain other Government grants for the same support

You do not need a formal diagnosis — Access to Work assesses impact, not diagnosis. If your condition significantly affects your working life, it is worth applying.

Step 2Preparing Your Application

Before you apply, it helps to gather the following:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Your employer's name and address (or your business details if self-employed)
  • A description of how your condition affects your work — specific tasks, situations, or environments
  • Any existing support you already receive or adjustments already in place
  • The name and contact details of the support provider you'd like to use (e.g., Fitting In While Standing Out)
  • An idea of how many hours of support per month you think you need

You don't need everything perfectly prepared — Access to Work advisers are there to help. But knowing your needs in advance makes the conversation easier.

Step 3How to Apply

You can apply for Access to Work:

  • Online: Search "Access to Work" on GOV.UK and complete the online application form. This is usually the quickest route.
  • By phone: Call the Access to Work helpline on 0800 121 7479 (or textphone: 0800 121 7579). Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
  • Apply early: Access to Work cannot backdate grants to before your application date, so apply as soon as possible.

Once you have applied, an Access to Work adviser will contact you to arrange an assessment — usually a phone or video call.

Step 4Explaining Your Needs

This is one of the most important parts of your application. Access to Work assessors need to understand how your condition affects your work — not just what your condition is.

Use the Fitting In, While Standing Out Method to structure your response:

"Because of [condition/difficulty], I struggle with [specific task or situation], which means [impact on my work or my employer]. With support from [provider], I would be able to [positive outcome]."

Examples

"Because of my ADHD, I struggle to plan and prioritise complex projects, which means I often miss deadlines and feel overwhelmed. With coaching support from Fitting In, I would be able to develop systems that work for my brain, improving my output and reducing stress."

"Because of my autism, I find it difficult to interpret unclear instructions and navigate office politics, which means I sometimes respond in ways that are misread by colleagues. With coaching, I would develop communication strategies that help me build stronger working relationships."

Step 5What Support You Can Request

Access to Work can fund a wide range of support. For neurodivergent applicants, this commonly includes:

  • Specialist coaching — to develop coping strategies, executive functioning skills, and workplace communication
  • Workplace needs assessment — a professional evaluation of the adjustments that would support you most
  • Assistive technology — software or equipment that helps you carry out your role (e.g. text-to-speech, noise-cancelling headphones)
  • Travel support — if your condition makes public transport difficult
  • Support worker — someone to assist you in the workplace on a day-to-day basis

You can request more than one type of support in the same application.

Step 6Naming Fitting In in Your Application

You can name Fitting In While Standing Out as your preferred coaching provider when you apply or during your assessment call. Here is some suggested wording:

"I would like to work with Fitting In While Standing Out, a specialist neurodiversity coaching service. They offer 1:1 coaching for neurodiverse adults and provide documentation in Access to Work format."

Services We Can Provide Under Access to Work

  • 1:1 Neurodiversity Coaching (individual sessions or bundle packages)
  • Executive functioning and communication strategy development
  • Workplace Strategy Report (written documentation for your employer or HR)
  • Manager coaching and joint sessions
  • Adjustment Review Package

All coaching is delivered online. We provide invoices and supporting documentation formatted to meet Access to Work requirements.

Step 7The Access to Work Assessment Call

Once you have applied, an Access to Work adviser will contact you — usually by phone — to carry out your assessment. Here is what to expect:

  • The call typically lasts 30–60 minutes
  • The adviser will ask you to describe how your condition affects your ability to do your job
  • They will ask about tasks you find difficult and why
  • They may ask what support would help and whether you have already tried anything
  • You can request a written questionnaire instead of a phone call if that suits you better

Tips for the Call

  • Be specific — describe real situations and their impact rather than general statements
  • Don't minimise your difficulties — this is not the time to say "I manage fine really"
  • Have your notes from Step 4 (how your condition affects your work) in front of you
  • It is okay to ask for the question to be repeated or for more time to think
  • You can request a copy of your assessment notes after the call

Step 8After Your Application Is Approved

Once approved, you will receive a written decision letter confirming your grant. Here is what happens next:

  • Contact your chosen support provider (e.g., Fitting In) to book your sessions
  • Pay for the support upfront — Access to Work reimburses you or your employer afterwards
  • Keep all invoices and receipts — you will need these to claim reimbursement
  • Submit your claim to Access to Work using the reference number provided in your decision letter
  • Grants are typically approved for a set period — you will need to renew if you need ongoing support

If your needs change or you feel the grant does not fully cover your support requirements, you can request a review of your award.

Ready to Apply — or Have Questions?

We're here to help you navigate Access to Work with confidence. Get in touch to discuss your situation.

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