The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has given an update on delays in processing Access to Work applications, setting a target to clear the backlog by September 2027. The scheme provides grants to help people with physical or mental health conditions secure or maintain employment.
Concerns about accessing the support were raised in a Parliamentary question from Alex Brewer, Liberal Democrat MP for North East Hampshire. He asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about the average processing time for Access to Work applications from self-employed people, how many self-employed applicants were awaiting a decision, and what steps were being taken to reduce delays in assessment and approval.
Minister responds to delays
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions, responded on Monday. He said: "DWP recognises that while customers greatly value the support provided by the Access to Work scheme, they also have concerns about the scheme's timeliness, consistency and appreciation of the complex barriers faced by people with disabilities in a modern workplace. The Department is addressing these points in order to deliver an improved scheme that will better help disabled people start and stay in work."
Efforts to achieve this include the recruitment of 480 additional staff to help reduce the Access to Work backlog by September 2027. These staff will receive extensive training to support them in handling complex applications.
Engagement and data limitations
The Department is also continuing to engage with a range of stakeholders to develop a richer understanding of the challenges disabled people face. The feedback from this engagement will be used to shape improvements to the scheme that better reflect the current needs of customers. Any improvements will be announced in advance of their implementation.
The Department does not hold information on the average processing time for Access to Work applications from self-employed customers. Access to Work management information does not differentiate by employment status once applications have been allocated to a Case Manager, so average processing times for self-employed customers are not available.
How the scheme works
The DWP states that Access to Work can assist people in securing or maintaining employment if they have a physical or mental health condition or disability. Assistance depends on individual circumstances and can include a grant to cover practical workplace support, help with managing mental health at work, and funding for communication support during job interviews.
A grant can cover items such as specialist equipment or software, support workers including sign language interpreters or job coaches, and travel expenses to work when public transport isn't an option. It can also contribute towards vehicle adaptations and finance workplace modifications, which may include an applicant's home.
The DWP adds: "If you get an Access to Work grant, it will not affect any other benefits you get and you will not have to pay it back. You or your employer may need to pay some costs up front and claim them back later." Individuals can verify their eligibility and subsequently apply for an Access to Work grant.
