Access to Work is a Government-funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. For Deaf people in the UK, the scheme can provide vital funding for communication support, equipment and adjustments in the workplace. Without this assistance, many Deaf employees would face significant barriers to employment.
The scheme can fund interpreters for meetings, assistive technology, support workers and even help with transport costs. However, many eligible Deaf people don’t apply because they find the process confusing or aren’t aware of what support is available.
This guide walks you through applying for Access to Work, from checking your eligibility to following up on your application. We’ll cover what documentation you need, how to describe your support requirements and what to expect during the assessment process.
With the right approach, you can secure the workplace support you need to thrive professionally.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a Government programme run by the Department for Work and Pensions. It provides grants to pay for practical support for disabled people and those with physical and mental health conditions to help them start working, stay in work or move into self-employment.
For Deaf people, Access to Work can fund British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, speech-to-text reporters, communication support workers and various equipment or technical solutions. The scheme can pay for 100% of approved costs for new employees and self-employed people. For those already employed, there may be a cost-share with larger employers.
To be eligible, you must be 16 or over and live and work in England, Scotland or Wales. You must have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work, and you must be in paid employment (including self-employment). The scheme can support apprentices, internships, work trials and work experience, too.
Recent changes have made the scheme more flexible, with increased support for remote and hybrid working arrangements and a streamlined application process.
Types of support available for Deaf people
Access to Work offers various types of assistance to Deaf employees. BSL interpreters can be funded for meetings, training sessions, appraisals and other workplace interactions. This support ensures Deaf employees can participate fully in workplace communication and receive equal access to information.
Speech-to-text reporters can provide real-time captioning during meetings, conferences and other events. This service benefits those who prefer reading English rather than using BSL, or who need to follow complex discussions involving multiple speakers.
Communication support workers offer more general assistance, supporting Deaf people with workplace communication in various ways. They might take notes during meetings, clarify written information or facilitate communication in less formal settings.
The scheme can also fund equipment such as alerting devices for telephones or fire alarms, video relay services, amplified telephones and closed loop systems. Software solutions like speech-to-text applications or video conferencing platforms with captioning features may also be covered.
For job interviews, Access to Work can fund communication support, helping Deaf candidates showcase their skills on an equal footing with hearing applicants. The scheme can even cover additional transport costs if public transport isn’t accessible, or if you can’t drive due to your condition.
Eligibility and assessment
To qualify for Access to Work, you must be in paid employment (including self-employment), about to start work, or about to begin a work trial or internship. Your job can be full-time, part-time, permanent or temporary.
The scheme covers employees working from home, hybrid working arrangements, and office-based roles. Multiple workplaces can be included in your application if you work across different locations.
For Deaf people, eligibility doesn’t depend on the degree of hearing loss but rather on the impact it has on your ability to do your job. You don’t need to be registered as disabled to apply.
Self-employed applicants need to show proof of their business, such as tax self-assessment forms, business plans, or evidence of HMRC registration. Your business must be genuine and functional rather than still in the planning stages.
If you’re employed, your employer must be based in England, Scotland, or Wales, and you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Voluntary work isn’t covered, but paid apprenticeships and internships are eligible.
Preparing for your application
Before starting your application, gather all necessary information to ensure a smooth process. You’ll need your National Insurance number, employment details (including start date, hours, contract type and workplace address) and contact information for your manager or HR department.
While medical proof isn’t always required, having an audiogram or letter from an audiologist can be helpful. If you’ve previously received support, gather details about what worked well and what didn’t.
Think carefully about your job duties and the communication challenges you face. Make a list of typical scenarios where you need support, like team meetings, client interactions or training sessions. The more specific you can be, the better.
Consider asking your employer for a supporting statement describing your role and the communication demands involved. This can strengthen your application by providing context about your workplace needs.
If you use BSL, arrange for an interpreter for any telephone assessments that might be part of the application process. You can request this when you apply or contact Access to Work in advance to make arrangements.
Keep copies of all employment documentation, including your contract and job description, as these may be requested during the assessment process.
The application process: step by step
Start your application by calling the Access to Work contact centre on 0800 121 7479 or by using the online application form available on the gov.uk website. If you prefer to use BSL, you can contact Access to Work using a video relay service like our InterpretersLive! platform. We also provide support during the Access to Work application process for your employment, so feel free to reach out to see how we can help.
When completing the application, provide detailed information about your hearing status and how it affects you at work. Don’t downplay your needs. Be honest about the challenges you face, and the support required to overcome them.
The form asks about your employment status, job duties, working hours and workplace location. It will also ask if you’ve spoken to your employer about reasonable adjustments. While this isn’t a requirement for applying, it’s helpful to have had these conversations.
Clearly describe the support you think you need, such as interpreters for specific meetings, equipment for your workstation, or assistance with communication in particular situations. If you know the approximate costs, include them.
After submitting your application, you’ll receive an acknowledgement and case number. The typical processing time is 2-4 weeks, though complex cases may take longer. During busy periods, there might be additional delays, so apply well in advance of when you need the support to start.
Following up and assessments
After your application is received, an Access to Work adviser will be assigned to your case. They’ll usually contact you to discuss your needs in more detail and may arrange an assessment. This assessment might be conducted over the phone, by video call or in person at your workplace.
For telephone assessments, make sure you’ve requested an interpreter if needed. Prepare by having examples of situations where you need support, and be ready to explain the impact of not having appropriate accommodations.
During workplace assessments, the assessor will observe your working environment, discuss your job duties, and may speak with your employer. They’ll evaluate what support would be most appropriate for your specific circumstances.
After assessment, you’ll receive a decision letter outlining what support has been approved and the grant amount. This typically arrives within 2-4 weeks of the assessment. If approved, the letter will explain how to claim your grant and arrange the support you need.
If you’re not satisfied with the decision, you can ask for a reconsideration by writing to the address on your decision letter within one month. Explain why you believe the decision doesn’t meet your needs and provide any additional evidence.
Tips for success
Be specific when describing your support needs. Instead of stating ‘I need an interpreter’, specify ‘I need a BSL interpreter for weekly team meetings (2 hours), monthly all-staff meetings (3 hours) and quarterly performance reviews (1 hour)’.
Request appropriate communication support for the application process itself. Access to Work should provide interpreters or other support for assessments and interviews related to your application.
Consider seeking help with your application from Deaf support organisations like Sign Solutions, disability employment advisers at Jobcentre Plus, or Deaf charities that offer advocacy services.
Keep detailed records of all communications with Access to Work, including copies of your application, emails, letters and notes from phone calls. Note the date and time, and the name(s) of anyone you speak with.
Access to Work grants are typically awarded for three years, after which you’ll need to reapply. Mark the renewal date in your calendar and start the renewal process at least three months before your current grant ends to avoid gaps in support.
How can Sign Solutions help?
Applying for Access to Work might seem daunting at first, but the support it provides can be life-changing for Deaf people in the workplace. The scheme exists to ensure you have equal access to employment opportunities and can perform your job to the best of your abilities.
Access to Work is a legal entitlement, not a favour or a luxury. With the right support in place, you can focus on your job and career development rather than struggling with communication barriers.
At Sign Solutions, we work closely with Access to Work to provide communication support services for Deaf employees and employers. Our team can guide you through the application process, help you identify the most appropriate support for your needs, and provide evidence of the costs involved.
We offer all the services commonly funded through Access to Work, including face-to-face BSL interpreting, video remote interpreting, and on-demand services through our InterpretersLive! platform. Many Deaf professionals use our services daily in their workplaces with Access to Work funding.
Our experienced staff can advise you on the most cost-effective support packages and help you clearly explain your requirements in your application. We’ve supported hundreds of successful Access to Work claims and understand what assessors are looking for.
To find out more and get expert advice on applying for Access to Work support, call us on 0121 447 9620, email bookings@signsolutions.uk.com or contact us via a BSL video interpreter.
