Access to Work Grant: Essential Equipment for the Workplace

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A decision made 5 January 2018:

Decision Reference: MD-S-2018-0001
Decision Summary Title	Access to Work Grant launched		Date of Decision Summary:	3 January 2018
Decision Summary Author:	Head of Back to Work		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Access to Work Grant launched		Date of Written Report:	3 January 2018
Written Report Author:	Head of Back to Work		Written Report :	Public
Subject: Access to Work Grant launched
Decision(s): The Minister decided to launch a Grant for individuals with a long term health condition or disability, to fund essential aids or equipment for the workplace to allow them to start, remain in, or return to employment.
Reason(s) for Decision: Individuals with a long term health condition or disability can face additional barriers returning to or staying in work. This is a non-means tested grant which provides funding up to a maximum of £5,000 per application to pay for essential aids or equipment to use in the workplace to support those with sensory, mobility or other disabilities. It is available to individuals rather than employers and therefore the equipment funded by this grant belongs to the applicant and remains in their possession if they change jobs. To be eligible, applicants must: have Entitled or Entitled to Work status be either in a job, returning to a job, about to start a job, or be in a work placement with a high likelihood of having a job offered at the end of the placement period. The applicant must be able to show proof of this in the form of an employment contract or job offer letter from the employer be able to provide medical evidence to confirm there is a need for the equipment or aids requested Equipment that can be applied for on this grant supports those with sensory, mobility or other physical impairments, as well as aids or equipment for learning disabilities. Where required, the applicant will meet with an occupational therapist as arranged by the department for an equipment or workplace assessment. When the applicant receives the aids or equipment they are required to sign a form releasing the department from liability for maintenance or replacement costs, or incorrect use. The aids or equipment becomes the property of the applicant and remains with them should they change employment.
Resource Implications: Funding will be provided from the existing budget held by the Social Security Department Back to Work Programme. The grant is for up to a one year pilot starting from the launch date.
Action required: Access to Work grant to be launched.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):