Access to Work and ADHD: A Clear Guide for Adults Who Need Support at Work

If ADHD makes your working life harder – whether that’s staying focused, managing time, or finishing tasks – there’s government help available. It’s called Access to Work, and it can fund practical support to make your job easier. It won’t affect your benefits, and you don’t have to pay it back.

This guide is for people with ADHD who are working or about to start work and want to understand what Access to Work is, how to apply, and what it can offer.

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a UK government grant for people who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to work. ADHD qualifies. The grant can fund support that goes beyond what your employer is legally required to provide.

You might use it to pay for an ADHD coach, assistive technology, or even help getting to and from work if transport is a barrier. The goal is to help you do your job without unnecessary obstacles.

Do you need a diagnosis?

No. You don’t need a formal ADHD diagnosis to apply. You just need to explain how your condition affects your ability to work. Many people apply while still on an NHS waiting list or without paperwork. If you do have a diagnosis, it can help speed things up – but it’s not essential.

Who can apply?

You must be:

• 16 or older
• Living in England, Scotland, or Wales
• In paid work (or have a job offer or be about to start self-employment)

That includes part-time work, freelance, self-employment, or zero-hours contracts. If you work, and ADHD is making it harder, you can apply.

What support can you get?

Support is personalised. You’ll talk to someone about your work, your challenges, and what might help. From there, they’ll offer suggestions and funding.

Here’s what people with ADHD often get:

• Coaching. Weekly sessions with an ADHD coach to help with organisation, time management, workload, and motivation. This is often the most valuable support.
• Tech and tools. Software to manage tasks, remember deadlines, or break down projects. Think of mind-mapping apps, calendar tools, or noise-reducing equipment.
• Equipment. Practical things like noise-cancelling headphones, a second monitor, or a whiteboard.
• Support workers. Someone to help with admin or structure – for example, a virtual assistant or a person to help manage emails and calendar bookings.
• Transport support. If public transport causes difficulties (due to anxiety, overstimulation, or executive dysfunction), Access to Work can fund taxis or alternative options.
• Workplace adjustments. Changes to your physical space or routines that help you manage distractions or overstimulation.

These are just examples. The support is tailored to your needs.

The application process

You can apply online at GOV.UK or by phone. You’ll need to answer a few simple questions:

• What job do you do?
• What challenges do you face because of your condition?
• What kind of help do you think would make work easier?

If filling out forms is difficult, you can ask a friend or support worker to help. You’re also allowed to take breaks or complete it over multiple sessions.

Once you apply, you’ll be assigned an advisor who may ask more questions and potentially book a workplace needs assessment. This is not a test. It’s a conversation about what would help.

After the assessment, they’ll send you a support plan, including what’s been approved and how much will be funded. Some services are paid directly. Others (like coaching or software) may need to be paid up front and reimbursed later.

If you’re self-employed

Self-employed people can apply too. You’ll need to show you’re trading and earning a basic income (roughly £6,500+ per year). You’ll also need your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).

The scheme works the same: you explain what’s hard and what support you need to stay productive. ADHD coaching and admin help are both common for freelancers.

Do you have to tell your employer?

Not to apply. Access to Work won’t contact your employer without your permission. But some types of support may involve them – especially if physical adjustments or shared tools are involved.

You can choose how much you tell your employer. Some people say, “I’ve applied for a workplace grant to support my focus and productivity.” You’re not required to disclose a diagnosis.

What does it cost?

Nothing. It’s a grant, not a loan. It doesn’t affect benefits or taxes. If you’ve been in your job for less than six weeks – or if you’re self-employed – Access to Work usually covers the full cost of support.

If you’ve been in your job longer, your employer may have to pay a small contribution, depending on the size of the company. But in most ADHD-related cases (coaching, software, support workers), the full cost is covered.

Tips if you have ADHD

• Start small. Just visit the GOV.UK page and read one section.
• Don’t aim for perfect answers – describe real issues you face.
• Write down your work challenges before you apply.
• Ask someone to help you fill in the form if you need to.
• You can stop and come back to the application later.

Many people with ADHD worry they’re not “struggling enough” to deserve help. If your condition affects your ability to manage work tasks – whether that’s emails, deadlines, meetings, or burnout – this support is for you.

What happens after you’re approved?

Once you’ve been approved and your support has been confirmed, it’s time to put it into action. This is where we come in.

We help ADHD adults make the most of their Access to Work grant. From choosing the right coaching to setting up tools and creating a practical routine that works for your brain, we’ll help you start strong and stay consistent.

Come and speak to us as soon as you’re approved, and we’ll help you design your plan. Email us today and let’s get started.

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Want everything in one place?

We’ve created a simple, clear Access to Work guide to help you:

• Understand what support is available
• Prepare your application
• Know what to expect from the process