Grant Supporting Disabled People in the Workplace Increases

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced disabled employees will be able to benefit from almost £60,000 a year to assist them at work

The Minister for Disabled People announced that disabled employees will be able to benefit from up to £59,200 annually from 1 April 2019. Designed to help pay for additional support needed in the workplace through the government’s Access to Work Scheme, this grant can be used on workplace adaptations, assistive technology, interpreters, and transport.

This latest increase comes after the cap was raised by almost a third in 2018. The scheme hopes to benefit even more people, particularly those from the deaf community who can get British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters through the scheme.

The Access to Work Scheme benefitted more than 27,000 people in 2018. Providing financial support to ensure an individual’s disability or health conditions do not hold them back at work, many use the scheme for adjustments including special IT equipment, voice-recognition software, and adjustable desks.

Sarah Newton, Minister for Disabled People, said: “Access to Work provides tailored support to thousands across the country, ensuring a disability or health condition is not a barrier to achieving someone’s career aspirations.

“By extending this grant even more people can benefit from this personalised scheme, and more disabled people can thrive in the workplace. By extending this grant even more people can benefit from this personalised scheme, and more disabled people can thrive in the workplace.”

According to the latest figures, the number of people with mental health conditions using the scheme increased by 34% compared with the previous year, while the number of people with a learning disability accessing the scheme increased by 22%.

To find out more about the scheme and how you can apply, visit Gov.uk/access-to-work