Access to Work: Government-Funded ADHD Support
Did you know the government could fund your ADHD mentoring? Access to Work is a grant scheme that pays for workplace support including mentoring sessions, specialist equipment, and more. It costs you nothing and it does not affect your benefits.
What Is Access to Work?
Access to Work is one of the best-kept secrets in workplace support, and it frustrates me how few people know about it. It is a government grant run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that provides funding for practical support to help disabled and neurodivergent people stay in work or start new employment.
For people with ADHD, this can mean funded mentoring sessions, workplace assessments, specialist software, noise-cancelling headphones, and other adjustments. The grant can be worth up to around £66,000 per year (the exact cap changes annually), and the vast majority of applicants receive significantly less, but even a few thousand pounds towards regular mentoring sessions can be genuinely life-changing.
The important thing to know is that Access to Work is a grant, not a loan. You do not repay it. It does not appear on your payslip or affect your tax. And it is separate from any benefits you might receive. You can read my detailed guide to Access to Work for ADHD for the full breakdown.
How to Apply for Access to Work
The application process is simpler than most people expect. Here is what happens.
Contact the Access to Work Team
Call the helpline on 0800 121 7479 or apply online through GOV.UK. You will answer some questions about your condition, your job, and what challenges you face at work. You can do this at any point during your employment.
Provide Evidence of Your ADHD
You will need to provide evidence of your condition. This is usually a diagnostic report, a letter from your psychiatrist or specialist, or a GP letter confirming your diagnosis. If you are awaiting diagnosis, this can be more difficult, but it is still worth enquiring.
Workplace Assessment
An assessor will review your needs and recommend specific support. This might include mentoring sessions, specialist equipment, or workplace adjustments. The assessment is usually done over the phone or via video call and takes around an hour.
Receive Your Grant and Start Support
Once approved, you will receive a grant letter outlining what has been funded. You can then start accessing support, including mentoring sessions. The grant is typically reviewed annually, and you can request changes if your needs evolve.
What Access to Work Covers for ADHD
The specific support you receive depends on your workplace assessment, but here are the kinds of things Access to Work commonly funds for people with ADHD. The scheme is designed to remove the barriers that stop you doing your job effectively, and for many people with ADHD, the right mentoring and equipment makes an enormous difference.
Who Is Eligible?
Access to Work is available to more people than you might think.
Employed Workers
If you are in paid employment, whether full-time, part-time, or on a contract, you can apply. Your employer may be asked to contribute a small amount depending on the company size.
Self-Employed People
Freelancers, sole traders, and business owners with ADHD can apply for Access to Work. The grant comes directly to you and there is no employer contribution required.
Starting a New Job
You can apply for Access to Work before you start a new role. This means support can be in place from day one, which is particularly helpful during the stressful first few weeks.
Private Mentoring Alongside Access to Work
Whether you are waiting for your Access to Work application to be processed, want more sessions than the grant covers, or simply prefer to arrange mentoring privately, I offer the same high-quality ADHD mentoring outside of the Access to Work framework.
Some clients start with private sessions while their application is being processed, then transition to Access-to-Work-funded sessions once approved. Others combine both: funded sessions for workplace-specific challenges and private sessions for broader life management. Whatever works for you, I am flexible.
If you want to explore whether workplace mentoring is right for you, or if you need support with telling your employer about your ADHD or understanding your rights to reasonable adjustments, the best place to start is a free discovery call.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Access to Work may cover the full cost of mentoring. For private sessions, here are the rates. No hidden fees, no long-term commitments.
Single Session
£125
60 minutes
3-Session Bundle
£320
Save 15%
5-Session Bundle
£470
Save 25%
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Access to Work for ADHD.
What is Access to Work for ADHD?
Access to Work is a government grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It provides funding for workplace support for employees and self-employed people with a disability, health condition, or neurodivergent condition including ADHD. The grant can cover things like mentoring sessions, specialist equipment, workplace assessments, and travel costs related to your condition. It is separate from any benefits you receive and does not need to be repaid.
How do I apply for Access to Work?
You apply directly to the DWP by calling the Access to Work helpline (0800 121 7479) or applying online through GOV.UK. You will need to provide details about your condition, your job, and what support you need. The process typically involves a workplace assessment where an assessor recommends specific support. Once approved, the grant is usually renewed annually. It is a good idea to apply as soon as you start a new job, but you can apply at any point during your employment.
How many sessions does Access to Work fund?
The number of mentoring sessions funded depends on your individual needs, as determined during the workplace assessment. There is no fixed number. Some people receive funding for weekly sessions, others fortnightly or monthly. The grant is typically reviewed annually, and you can request additional support if your needs change. The key is being honest about what you need during the assessment process.
Do I need to tell my employer about Access to Work?
You do not necessarily need to tell your employer about your Access to Work application, though in practice some involvement is usually needed. If you are employed, your employer may be asked to contribute a small amount towards the cost (this depends on the size of the company). If you are self-employed, the grant comes directly to you. I always recommend discussing the disclosure question in mentoring sessions so you can make an informed decision about what to share.
Can I choose my own ADHD mentor through Access to Work?
Yes, in many cases you can choose your own mentor or coach. Access to Work provides the funding, but you often have flexibility in selecting the professional you work with, as long as they meet the relevant criteria. If you would like to work with me through Access to Work, the best first step is to book a free discovery call and we can discuss how to set this up.
Am I eligible for Access to Work with ADHD?
To be eligible, you need to be in paid work (employed or self-employed) or about to start paid work, and your condition needs to affect your ability to do your job. You will typically need evidence of your ADHD, such as a diagnostic report or letter from a specialist. The scheme is available in England, Scotland, and Wales. If you are unsure whether you qualify, it is worth applying anyway, as the eligibility criteria are broader than many people realise.
Ready to Work With Your Brain?
Not sure if mentoring is right for you? Start with a free discovery call, or book your first session and start building strategies that genuinely work.