Guide

Access to Work for ADHD and autism

A guide to the government scheme that pays for support at work. Who can get it, how to apply, what it covers and how to claim.

Eight short chapters. Go to the one you need.

Chapter 01~1 min read

Start here

What Access to Work is, and how it fits with your employer's duty.

Access to Work is a government grant. It pays for practical support to help you start work or stay in work. It adds to your employer's legal duty to make reasonable adjustments. It does not replace that duty. To learn about the duty, see our reasonable adjustments guide. This page is about the grant.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.

Chapter 02~2 min read

Who can get it

Who can use the scheme, including if you are self-employed.

Two things need to be true.

You have a disability or condition. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and other kinds of neurodivergence are often covered. You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply.

You have paid work, or you are about to start it. This can be full time or part time.

If you are self-employed, your turnover must be at least £6,708 a year. Your turnover is the money your business takes in. This is the minimum for 2026/27. It rises each year, so check GOV.UK (opens in a new tab) for the current figure
If you work fewer than 16 hours a week, you can claim Access to Work and ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) at the same time

Chapter 03~3 min read

How to apply

What to get ready, what they will ask and what happens next.

You apply yourself. It is your application, not your employer's. You can apply online (opens in a new tab) or by phone on 0800 121 7479.

What you will need to give

Contact details, your work address and a workplace contact
Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) and National Insurance number
Details of your condition and the support you think you need

What they will ask

They may ask if you need special equipment. They may ask if you already know what kind, and how it would help you at work. Based on your answers, they may offer you an assessment at your workplace or an online meeting.

After you apply

Someone from Access to Work will contact you, usually by phone. They may ask for more detail about your work and condition. They may ask if they can speak to your employer. They may arrange for an assessor to call you or to see your workplace on video. Then you will get a letter with the decision. It says how much money you get and what it should pay for.

Chapter 04~3 min read

What it can pay for

Four common areas, so you know what to ask for.

The rules do not name specific products. What they pay for depends on what your assessment says you need. But some kinds of support are common. It helps to know about them before your assessment, so you can ask the right questions.

There is also a limit on the total support you can get each year. It is £69,260 now. Most claims are well below this.

Support

ADHD coaching, often about 12–24 hours over 6 months
A virtual assistant (a person who helps you remotely) for tasks, calendar and project management, often 10–20 hours a week

Hardware

Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
A reMarkable-style paper tablet
An ergonomic mouse and keyboard
A visual timer
A laptop (it often pays for part of the cost)
A SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamp

Office equipment

Standing desk, second monitor, ergonomic chair, rocking footrest

Software

Body-doubling and focus apps
Speech-recognition and writing-assistance tools
Note-taking, mind-mapping and daily-planning apps

None of this is certain. Each claim is based on your own needs. But it gives you a place to start the conversation, so you do not start from a blank page.

Chapter 05~1 min read

Claiming your money

How you claim the money back, and what you will need.

Are you the one who pays for the items? This is very common for people who are self-employed. Then you claim online or by post after you have had the support.

You will need:

The dates you had support
Invoices or receipts showing the cost
Your bank details

In other cases, your employer pays directly. Then Access to Work pays your employer back.

Chapter 06~2 min read

Where Humble fits

One option, not the point of this guide.

Humble is organising software built for ADHD and autistic minds. It is the kind of assistive software that Access to Work can pay for. Does your assessment cover help with organising tasks and notes, and finishing what you start? Then Humble is a reasonable thing to suggest.

One trusted place for tasks and notes, so nothing is only in your head
Now, next and later, not everything at once
Progress you can see from the work you have already done, so nobody has to ask in meetings

Book a call if you want help to plan what to say in your application.

Chapter 07~2 min read

Common questions

Clear answers to the questions people ask most.

Do I need a diagnosis to apply?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply or to be eligible. To start, you only need to describe the problem and the support that would help.

Does this cost my employer anything?

No. Access to Work pays you or your employer directly for approved support. It does not come out of your employer's budget, as reasonable adjustments do.

Will it affect my benefits?

No. A grant does not affect other benefits you get. You do not have to pay it back.

Can I get Access to Work if I'm self-employed?

Yes, if your turnover reaches the current minimum. Your turnover is the money your business takes in. The minimum is £6,708 a year for 2026/27.

How long does the process take?

It is different for each person. But expect several weeks between applying and getting a decision letter. Apply as early as you can. Do not wait until you need support urgently.

Chapter 08~1 min read