The Department for Work and Pensions’ Access to Work scheme could be completely withdrawn from certain roles in a few months. The scheme, set up by the government to reduce the number of people forced out of employment due to health issues, offers a range of support for people with disabilities, health conditions or mental health problems who want to work.
This can include grants for practical accommodations, specialist software, and communication assistance during job interviews. However, changes to the Mental Health Support Service, a specific arm of the scheme, last August mean that 542,840 working Brits may no longer be eligible for this help.
From April 1, all civil servants will no longer qualify for mental health support under the scheme. Civil servants are defined as employees of a government department, executive agency, arm’s length body, the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales and some Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs).
This move will align the mental health wing of the DWP support with other areas of Access to Work. At present, civil servants with a disability or health condition, bar mental health conditions, are advised to seek this support through their employer and contact them directly if necessary, rather than through the Access to Work scheme.
It’s anticipated that those receiving mental health support in the service will have to do the same from the summer. This specifically applies to Access to Work contracts that came into effect on or after 20 August 2024.
Civil servants were phased out of other Access to Work support in April 2022, with government departments responsible for arranging assessments and adjustments for their civil servants. Contracts agreed up to 31 March 2022 continued until the end of the award period.
It’s expected that a similar grace period until the end of their contract could be available to civil servants with contracts awarded before 20 August 2024. Public sector employees, including NHS staff, police and local government workers, are not considered civil servants under the scheme and will still be eligible for the Mental Health Support Service.
Moreover, individuals on the Work and Health Programme, WHP Pioneer, Restart and Fair Start in Scotland are not eligible for the Mental Health Support Service. Residents of the Channel Islands or Isle of Man are also excluded from all aspects of the Access to Work scheme.
To qualify for Access to Work, excluding job interview support, you must be 16 years old or over, residing in England, Scotland or Wales, and either employed or about to commence or return to work within 12 weeks of application. You must also have a physical or mental health condition or disability that affects your ability to work or commute.
This can include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety or depression. On the physical side, it covers permanent conditions like hearing impairment or wheelchair use, as well as temporary issues like a broken leg. Further details about Access to Work and its eligibility criteria can be found on the Gov.uk website.