Has anyone used access to work scheme?

GlasweJen

I was wondering if anyone has used the access to work scheme? I sent an email to the Glasgow centre yesterday and was wondering what to expect. In the email I detailed my medical condition, the type of work I do, the bits of my job that I find difficult and what benefits I receive for the disability.

How long can I expect it to take before I get a reply and what is the next step?

Is it a beurocratic nightmare trying to get help or are they reasonable? Also will it make a difference that I already have a job and have worked in it for almost 2 years?

Wildside

Yes you can get it if you are in a paid job, but what you get will depend on what support you need to be able to carry on doing that job.
People might be able to advise you more if you give a little more detail about what help/support you are claiming it for. e.g. additional transport costs because you can not use public transport, an interpreter at meetings for some one who uses sign language, they are just two examples of things it could be claimed for but obviously there are hundreds of other reasons.
No need to put any thing too personal.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347

GlasweJen

I'm barred from driving on medical grounds and find it hard to use public transport especially at 8 in the morning when i'm waiting on the meds getting into the system, I've been late a couple of time now because i've had an episode on the bus and missed my stop.

I also have bother hearing people on the phone because of all the background noise in the store but my job involves using the phone lots.

Wildside

GlasweJen wrote: »

I'm barred from driving on medical grounds and find it hard to use public transport especially at 8 in the morning when i'm waiting on the meds getting into the system, I've been late a couple of time now because i've had an episode on the bus and missed my stop.

I also have bother hearing people on the phone because of all the background noise in the store but my job involves using the phone lots.

I think there is equipment your employer could get to help you be able to use the phone, sorry I don't know much about the actual equipment but Access to Work might pay for that.
As for travel they might help with taxi fares, they don't always pay it all, they might pay the difference between public transport cost & taxi cost. e.g. if bus fare is £3 and taxi is £8, they pay the difference of £5.
Good Luck. Sounds like you have a pretty good case for getting some assistance from them.

Hope some more MSE'rs will be able to help you with some good advice.

Wildside

Any one how uses Access to work that can help the OP more?

fengirl_2

I use Access to Work and I have to say that they are very helpful and efficient. I have back problems and cannot walk very far. Someone came to assess me (from the RNID actually) and measure me for a chair. She then wote a report which recommended that I have a special chair made (the price of a small settee!), a foot rest, a special holder for my laptop and a v expensive roller case. The report was accepted by Access to Work who authorised all these items. I ordered them, they were delivered and A2W paid. They have also allocated a certain amount to be spent each month on taxi fares where places I need to visit are a long walk from public transport. I calim these back each month from my employer and the employer claims from A2W and are refunded.
They are certainly the best government dept I have had to deal with.

[Deleted User]

Wildside wrote: »

I think there is equipment your employer could get to help you be able to use the phone, sorry I don't know much about the actual equipment but Access to Work might pay for that.
As for travel they might help with taxi fares, they don't always pay it all, they might pay the difference between public transport cost & taxi cost. e.g. if bus fare is £3 and taxi is £8, they pay the difference of £5.
Good Luck. Sounds like you have a pretty good case for getting some assistance from them.

Hope some more MSE'rs will be able to help you with some good advice.

If you have a free travel pass due to disability you dont have to pay the difference, they pay it all. Otherwise you are right they will only pay the difference and expect you to pay what you otherwise would on public transport.

I've been getting access to work support for taxis, both to and from work and for journeys within work for some time. If you are granted this I'd suggest setting up an account with a firm as the costs soon mount when paying out & claiming it back. Many people think taxi firms wont set up an account for them, that they only do that for businesses (me included at one point) but they will, it's all money and can be quite a lot for them.