1. Identifying the Need

A disabled employee needs specific help to continue in their employment.  If an obvious solution is possible (agreeable by both parties) then go ahead.  A2W funds will pay for adaptations, equipment or support over £300 (with some exceptions).  

This includes cumulative costs – so if there are several items which will be needed, each costing under £300 but which will exceed this in total, do not purchase them, but follow the A2W route.

If the employee identifies that their needs may change with time then follow the A2W route, however Occupational Health should be involved at an early stage. The employee should be encouraged to discuss any changes in need with their line manager.

Other support systems can be accessed through the Employment Development Officer. 

2.  First Contact with Job Centre

Contact local Job Centre and speak to the Access to Work Adviser (A2W Adviser).  

3.  Eligibility

Applicant (the disabled employee) completes form ATW1 and returns to A2W

Adviser.  Let the Occupational Health Provider, HR & H&S know of the application (and also property dept if physical alteration to building is needed).  A2W Adviser will then advise on eligibility.

4.  What exactly is the need?

The A2W Adviser may need to visit the applicant in person to discuss the precise issues, resulting from the effects of disability.

 5.  Finding the Solution

The A2W Adviser may be able to identify the solution immediately.

If not, the A2W Adviser can call upon a Technical Support service to provide a specialist assessment of the person's needs.

The specific requirements of the equipment or service proposed will be passed to the applicant and the employer.

6.  Applying for funding

The employer will need to provide quotes from up to 3 separate suppliers for the equipment or service and pass these to the A2W Adviser.

The A2W Adviser will then request funding based on the most cost effective quote and advise the employer of the level of funding requested.

7.  Funding decision

This will be sent to the employer with claim documents, if appropriate.

8.  Purchasing Equipment or Service

The employer is responsible for purchasing the equipment or service and ensuring it is correctly installed/delivered.  This is generally paid from the Team Manager’s staffing budget.

9.  Claiming Reimbursement of Costs

Team Manager submits claim to the Job Centre using the provided claim forms.  Payment is then made by the Job Centre to the Council by Cheque or BACS.  At the moment it will be easier to receive a cheque – which should be sent to the cashiers so that the money can be allocated against the correct Cost Code.  This process applies for both one off payments for equipment, and ongoing regular payments for support.