Making a successful Application to Work application.
In this week’s blog, I explain the Access to Work application process. There are no obvious reasons not to be successful and it will make the world of difference.
- Once you have a confirmed start date, complete the online application. You will need your workplace address and the contact details of your workplace contact, as they will need to give permission for the application to proceed. You can also apply by phone.
- Once submitted, wait for Access to Work to contact you either by email or phone, which may take up to three weeks. You will be asked questions relating to your application and the likely outcome is the offering of a workplace assessment. CrystalEyes strongly recommends you take up this offer.
- Your workplace contact will then be contacted by Access to Work to confirm that they are happy for your application to proceed.
- You will then be contacted to book a workplace assessment. In the past, these were at your place of work. But due to the pandemic, these have been taking place remotely. Your employer can attend too and CrystalEyes recommends this happening.
- Attend the assessment. The aim of this is to focus on the specialist equipment and training that you may require. Note that acquiring a support worker, as well as in-work travel and travel to and from work are not covered by this assessment and will be explained in the next blog.
- You will receive a letter outlining the assessor’s recommendations, as well as the amount of support Access to Work will fund. Sign the enclosed declaration and return this by post to Access to Work. Your employer will also receive a copy of this letter.
- You will finally receive claim forms which you or your employer must complete to claim the funding needed to purchase the required equipment or training.