Access to Work guide

How the government workplace grant works for dyslexia — funding, cost-sharing, stages and what to prepare.

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a DWP grant that can fund assistive technology, specialist support workers, dyslexia coaching, workplace assessments and more — often at little or no cost to you or your employer (larger employers may contribute towards equipment and premises costs).

Awards are subject to an annual cap published by government (commonly cited around £69,260 — always check the current figure on GOV.UK).

Apply on GOV.UK →
Key entitlements & options
What Access to Work can fund
Typically: specialist equipment and software, support workers or job coaches, dyslexia-related assessments, travel to work help in some cases, and awareness support. Awards are personal and role-based.
What to do: Start at www.gov.uk/access-to-work and list the job tasks you struggle with.
Who can apply
You usually need to be 16+, in paid work, about to start, or self-employed in Great Britain, with a disability or health condition that affects work. Rules differ slightly by nation and situation — check GOV.UK.
What to do: Check eligibility on GOV.UK before applying; apply as early as possible for a new job.
Annual award cap (check current figure)
Access to Work awards are subject to an annual cap published by government (commonly cited around £69,260 in recent years). Caps and rules change — always confirm the current figure on GOV.UK.
What to do: Verify the live cap on GOV.UK when you apply or renew.
Employer cost-sharing
Support is often at little or no cost for smaller employers and many new starters, but larger employers may be asked to contribute to some equipment or premises-related costs. Do not assume “always free for the employer”.
What to do: Ask Access to Work and HR how cost-share would apply to your employer size.
Workplace assessment
Many grants follow a workplace needs assessment recommending specific tools and strategies. You can prepare by listing hard tasks and what already helps.
What to do: Prepare examples: reading load, meetings, writing deadlines, errors that matter.
Self-employed applicants
Self-employed people can often still apply, with evidence of trading and how the condition affects the work.
What to do: Gather invoices/accounts evidence and a clear description of your working day.
Renewals and changes of job
Awards may need renewal or review if your job, hours or needs change. Tell Access to Work promptly about job moves.
What to do: Diaries renewal dates and keep copies of award letters.
Free help to apply
Disability employment advisers, some charities and workplace disability passports processes can help with applications. Avoid paying unregulated “grant agents” large fees.
What to do: Ask Jobcentre Plus about disability employment support, or HR for an internal application buddy.
Full Access to Work rights page →
Application stages (checklist)
1. Not started yet
2. Researching eligibility
3. Application submitted
4. Workplace assessment booked
5. Grant approved
6. Support in place

Tip: keep award letters, assessment reports and stage notes in your own email or files. This free tool does not store personal applications without an account.

FAQs
What can Access to Work pay for?
Often specialist software, equipment, support workers or coaches, and sometimes travel-related help — based on your role and needs assessment.
Is it always free for my employer?
Not always. Smaller employers and many new starters often face little or no cost, but larger employers may contribute to some equipment or premises costs. Check current cost-share rules on GOV.UK.
Do I need a formal dyslexia diagnosis?
A diagnosis helps, but Access to Work is about how a condition affects your work. A workplace assessment can still recommend support. Confirm evidence expectations when you apply.
When should I apply?
As early as possible — ideally before or as you start a job. Processing and assessments take time.
What is the award cap?
Awards are subject to a government annual cap that can change. Always check the current figure on GOV.UK Access to Work pages (recently cited around £69,260/year).
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