Access to Work - quotes and suppliers?

Demerara

Hi All,

Does anyone know if alternative suppliers to the ones in the AtW assessment can procure the items that have been recommended? That is, if I find an alternative supplier who offers the same price as the lowest one quoted in the report, can I use them?

I am asking because my employer is likely to take MONTHS to have the supplier quoted by AtW on their finance system and if I can have the items sooner, it'd be of massive help (especially since I had to wait 6 months between my self-referral and getting the report)

devon_guy

If you have the financial means to do so, and I appreciate not everyone has, you can buy the items yourself and claim them back from ATW directly.  You don't have to wait for your employer.  I can't imagine they would let you buy the items from an unapproved supplier though, you would need to contact them to see.

Brie

You don't say what equipment you might require but it's possible that a charity could provide something, even on loan perhaps.  I'm thinking of such places Dorset Blind Association which helps blind and partially sighted individuals.  Or if you have a military background SSAFA.  

Demerara

Hi Both,

Thanks for commenting and your helpful suggestions. The equipment I need relates to hearing loss so specialist microphones etc.

I have gone and bought smaller items recommended by AtW directly and then claimed back from my employer.

For the bigger items, I have managed to procure them from another supplier which was already on the system. AtW supplier recommendations are just that. As long as you stick the the budget, they are fine with it.