The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided an update on Access to Work, the scheme supporting people with physical and mental health conditions to get into or stay in work. Average wait times for a decision have climbed over the past five years, reaching 100.9 days last year, according to figures confirmed in Parliament.
Wait times rise over five years
Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, asked for an update in Parliament, requesting the average wait time for a decision following an Access to Work application each year between 2015 and 2026.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State at the DWP, responded on Monday, confirming that wait times had been climbing. In 2021/22 the wait was 28.3 days, rising to 57.8 days the following year. In 2023/24 it dropped slightly to 45.1 days, but the next year it was up to 67.1 days, and last year it reached 100.9 days.
Backlog reduction progress
Sir Stephen said: "Since the start of the 2026/27 operational year, Access to Work has made positive progress in reducing outstanding work. As of October 1, 2026, using the full reporting period from April to August 2026, we have achieved a net backlog reduction of almost 3,000 cases, specifically 2,980."
He added: "With recruits now arriving and needing to be coached and trained for the next six months, we expect the backlog to stabilise before falling in the spring of 2027. Overall, the programme remains on track, and our assessment is that Access to Work continues to be on course to clear the backlog by September 2027."
How Access to Work helps
Access to Work provides grants and other support to help people with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities secure or maintain employment. Assistance depends on individual circumstances and can include practical workplace adaptations, sign language interpreters, specialist equipment or software, support workers, travel expenses when public transport isn't an option, vehicle adaptations, and workplace modifications, which may include an applicant's home.
The DWP states: "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." People can check eligibility and apply for a grant through the scheme.
