I cannot stress enough the importance of taking time to work through the following points BEFORE you apply for the funding.
Remember, you know yourself very well. Those reviewing your application do not. Those conducting the assessment do not.
So, making sure you have all the key points to hand before you start puts you in a strong position – you have the illustrations you need to enhance your explanations of your needs, and you have thought about all the scenarios where you may struggle in some way.
It is also important to note that, rather like many people’s diagnostic experience, the team you interact with are only interested in what you cannot do, or what you struggle with. This can make the whole experience feel incredibly negative. It is very easy to lose perspective in this process.
It is one of the reasons why I encourage all my coaching clients to engage in a strengths exercise early in our relationship. We all have loads of things we are good at, some things we are exceptional at, but when we are looking for support, we can tend to focus on what we cannot do, and the process of applying for AtW funding is no different.
Things to prepare in advance:
- Check you fulfil the following criteria:
- Aged 16 or over
- Living and working (or about to work) in England, Scotland or Wales
- In paid employment, self-employed, about to start or return to paid work within the next 12 weeks (this includes apprenticeships, internships, work trials)
- The condition or impairment means you need extra support to do your job or travel to work, beyond what an employer’s ‘reasonable adjustments’ alone would cover
- Make a list of the things you are good at, where your strengths lie. What are you proud of in your life in general? AtW are not going to be interested in this, but it will prove invaluable to your own wellbeing as you go through this process
- Make detailed, but accessible, notes (e.g., bullet list) on how your neurodivergence or health condition affects work tasks.
- Think about your work situation or the job you are applying for. What are the activities you do/will do, and identify the support you need e.g.:
- Technological supports (software and hardware)
- Psychological supports (neuro-affirming coaching and or mentoring)
- Practical supports (support worker, Virtual assistant etc.)
- Don’t worry if you are not sure, the assessor will ask you questions about the challenges you describe and will have lots of ideas about the supports you may be eligible for. NOTE – the assessor is independent, but may visit you in your place of work – so be realistic in your descriptions
- Gather your National Insurance number and job/employer details
- If self-employed, locate your UTR number
Things to keep a record of:
Grants typically last up to 3 years, with annual reviews built in. If your role changes or your support needs change, you’ll need to contact Access to Work for a review, so keeping all your paperwork is really useful. Consider keeping track of:
- The date of your submission and any reference numbers
- A record of the communications you have with AtW. The process is not always straightforward, and having a record of what you have done when, as well as what you have been told and when, is very helpful
- Keep a copy of the notes and thoughts you shared both in the original application and in the conversation you had with the assessor
- Keep all receipts and a record of all claims within the required timeframe
- Keep the letter of your offer
What next?
Apply online via the official Access to Work page
Talk to me about coaching and mentoring options you may wish to access.
Contact other potential service providers. I have a few Virtual Assistants I can recommend for example.
Move forward with the support you are entitled to, and with people who have your back.