What Support Can Access to Work Fund? (Real Examples)

You know Access to Work exists. You know you might be eligible. But the big question remains: what does the support actually look like in practice? The official guidance is deliberately broad, which is helpful for flexibility but unhelpful when you're trying to picture what your grant might cover. Here are real examples of what neurodivergent workers receive through Access to Work.

Coaching and Strategy Support

This is the most common form of support for neurodivergent Access to Work recipients. ADHD UK notes that coaching funded through Access to Work is sometimes listed as ADHD coaching, neurodivergence coaching, support worker, or support strategy coaching. The National Autistic Society lists providers offering specialist coaching for autistic and neurodivergent employees through Access to Work.

Typical coaching funded through Access to Work might include: weekly or fortnightly sessions (usually 12+ per year) with a specialist ADHD or autism coach, focused on time management, prioritisation, task initiation, and organisational systems; accountability structures to help you follow through on commitments; and strategies tailored to your specific role and working patterns.

Example: A self-employed marketing consultant with ADHD receives fortnightly coaching sessions (£120 each) focused on client project management, deadline tracking, and reducing procrastination. Annual cost funded: approximately £3,120.

Support Workers

Support workers help with the practical tasks that neurodivergent people find disproportionately difficult. The National Autistic Society explains that organisations can provide support workers, virtual assistants and coaching funded through the DWP Access to Work grant.

What support workers actually do depends on your needs. For someone with ADHD, this might mean managing your calendar, processing invoices, handling email triage, or maintaining filing systems. For an autistic person, it might involve helping navigate workplace social situations, preparing for meetings, or managing sensory environments. For someone with dyslexia, it could mean proofreading correspondence, helping with written reports, or transcribing voice notes.

Example: A freelance web developer with ADHD receives 5 hours per week of virtual assistant support to handle invoicing, client scheduling, and email management. Annual cost funded: approximately £7,800.

Assistive Technology and Equipment

Access to Work can fund both hardware and software. The GOV.UK factsheet lists specialist aids and equipment as a covered category. For neurodivergent workers, this commonly includes:

Noise-cancelling headphones (for sensory overload in open-plan offices or when working from home with distractions). Text-to-speech and speech-to-text software (particularly useful for dyslexia). Task management and planning software (for ADHD-related organisation difficulties). Screen readers and reading rulers. Specialist planning tools and mind-mapping software. Ergonomic equipment for sensory comfort.

Example: A legal secretary with dyslexia receives Dragon NaturallySpeaking dictation software (£500), ClaroRead text-to-speech software (£200), and noise-cancelling headphones (£350). One-off equipment cost funded: £1,050.

Workplace Assessments

A specialist workplace assessment evaluates your working environment and recommends adjustments. The assessor is typically an occupational therapist with neurodivergence expertise. They'll look at your physical workspace, your daily routines, the tasks you perform, and how your condition interacts with all of these.

Example: An employed project manager with autism and ADHD receives a workplace assessment that leads to recommendations for a quieter desk location, a structured daily schedule template, coaching, and noise-cancelling headphones. The assessment itself is funded as part of the Access to Work process.

Travel Support

If your condition makes commuting difficult (for example, sensory overwhelm on public transport, or ADHD-related difficulties with route planning and timekeeping), Access to Work can fund travel support. This might include taxi fares, a support worker to accompany you, or alternative transport arrangements.

What Access to Work Won't Fund

There are boundaries. Access to Work won't cover reasonable adjustments your employer is legally obligated to provide (such as flexible working hours or a quieter workspace), medical treatment or medication, general training or professional development, or equipment that's standard for your role. If you're unsure whether something falls under employer responsibility or Access to Work, the workplace assessor will help draw the line.

Sources

GOV.UK: Access to Work customer factsheet · ADHD UK: Access to Work · National Autistic Society: Workplace support · Buckland Review of Autism Employment