Access to Work ADHD Job Coaching:
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
If ADHD affects your ability to work, the UK government’s Access to Work programme can provide financial assistance. This initiative supports adults with disabilities, including ADHD, by funding tools and services to help them succeed in the workplace. This includes ADHD job coaching, assistive technology, ergonomic equipment, virtual assistant support and more..
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Access to Work funding for ADHD job coaching and how the process works.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government initiative that provides financial support for employees with disabilities or health conditions, including ADHD. It helps cover the cost of support that is not typically offered by employers, such as specialised ADHD job coaching to help with time and task management, organisation, productivity, procrastination, emotional regulation, and other work-related skills.
It isn’t necessary to have received a formal diagnosis.
It can take a while to get Access to Work support set up, currently waiting can be around 8 months; so act now to get the process started!
How to Apply for Access to Work
1. Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet these criteria:
- You have a disability or condition (such as ADHD) covered by the Equality Act.
- You’re 16 or older, employed, or self-employed.
- You live in Great Britain and aren’t claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Visit the UK government’s Access to Work eligibility page to review more details.
2. Gather Necessary Information
Before starting your application, prepare the following details:
- Your personal information (name, address, National Insurance number).
- Your employer’s information (if applicable).
- Your job role and the challenges you face due to ADHD (& associated conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, AuDHD)
- Information about any previous support or adjustments in the workplace.
3. Apply Online or by Phone
You can submit your application:
- Online: Visit the Access to Work application portal and fill in the necessary forms.
- By phone: Call the Access to Work helpline at 0800 121 7479.
Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a reference number and be assigned a case manager who will assess your needs.
4. Assessment and Consultation
After submitting your application, a specialist might arrange an assessment to better understand the challenges you face at work. During this assessment:
- The specialist may visit your workplace or set up a virtual consultation (usually it’s a phone or video call)
- They will discuss your specific needs and how ADHD impacts your ability to perform tasks at work.
Based on the assessment, they will recommend solutions, such as ADHD Job Coaching, Virtual Assistant support, assistive technology & training in this, or workplace adjustments.
5. Receive Your Funding Decision
Once your case manager has assessed your situation, they will inform you of the support available and the amount of funding you are eligible for. This can include a financial contribution toward ADHD job coaching.
Note: If your employer needs to contribute to the cost of coaching or other support, they will be informed at this stage (your employer may need to contribute about 20% of the costs)
6. Additional Equipment and Support
Access to Work provides more than just ADHD job coaching. You may also be eligible for various types of practical equipment and adjustments to better manage ADHD symptoms at work, such as:
- Assistive Technology for ADHD: Apps and tools for time management, task tracking, and reminders.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: To minimise distractions.
- Standing desks or ergonomic furniture: Helps reduce restlessness and improve focus.
- Specialised software: Programs to help organise tasks, prioritise and plan work, and set reminders. Body doubling subscriptions (such as Flown or FocusMate.
- Environmental Adjustments: A quiet workspace or partition screens to help reduce sensory overload.
- Mental Health Support: Counseling services (or apps) for managing stress, anxiety and burnout.
- Flexible Working: Modifying your work hours or setting to better fit your productivity patterns.
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These resources are designed to meet individual needs following an Access to Work assessment, enabling ADHD adults to overcome challenges and thrive in their roles.
7. Start Your ADHD Job Coaching
Once approved, you can choose an ADHD job coach who is registered and experienced in providing workplace-focused job coaching. Many coaches, like myself, offer customised coaching plans designed to improve productivity, manage time, and reduce overwhelm. Most applicants can expect to receive 12 sessions (usually spaced out weekly). Sometimes “Coping strategies Training sessions in two-hour blocks” will be offered in addition to coaching. You can have these sessions changed to coaching sessions if that works better for you. You can also apply later for continuing support or other equipment/software if you need it.
Coaching sessions can be conducted online, making it convenient for professionals across the UK. Check out my FAQ’s page for more useful information and also read the Testimonials page to see feedback from my past clients.
Ready to Enhance Your Workplace Experience?
Take the first step towards a more productive work life. Apply for Access to Work and transform your working life with customised ADHD support. Book a Discovery session to explore how ADHD job coaching can benefit you.