Access to Work for Arthritis

Living with arthritis can make work more challenging, but it does not necessarily mean you have to leave your job. If your condition affects your ability to carry out your role, the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme may be able to provide practical and financial support to help you stay in employment or start a new job.

This guide explains who can apply, what support is available, how much funding may be provided, how to apply and what happens after your application. Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or another long term joint condition, this guide will help you understand your options.

Quick Answer

Can you get Access to Work for Arthritis?

Yes. If arthritis is affecting your ability to do your job or travel to work because of a disability or long term health condition, you may qualify for Access to Work. The scheme can provide grants towards specialist equipment, workplace adaptations, travel costs, support workers and other practical assistance. The amount awarded depends on your individual needs rather than your income or savings.

What Is Access to Work for Arthritis?

Access to Work for Arthritis is a Government funded grant that helps people whose arthritis creates barriers in the workplace.

Unlike most benefits, Access to Work is not a cash payment for everyday living costs. Instead, it helps pay for support that enables you to work more comfortably, safely and independently.

Support is designed around your individual circumstances after an assessment of your workplace needs.

The scheme aims to:

• Help people stay in work
• Help disabled people start employment
• Reduce workplace barriers
• Improve independence
• Support employers with reasonable workplace adjustments

Types of arthritis that may qualify

The diagnosis itself is less important than how it affects your daily work.

Examples include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Gout where symptoms are ongoing
• Other inflammatory joint conditions

Who Can Claim Access to Work for Arthritis?

Who qualifies?

You may qualify if:

• You live in England, Scotland or Wales.
• You are aged 16 or over.
• You have arthritis that affects your ability to work.
• You are in paid employment or about to start work.
• You are self employed.
• You have a job interview.
• You have a work placement.
• You are starting an apprenticeship.

You generally cannot receive Access to Work if you are unemployed and not about to start work.

Employment situations that may qualify

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

What are the eligibility rules?

Your arthritis must have a significant impact on your ability to do your job.

Examples include:

• Difficulty standing for long periods
• Reduced grip strength
• Joint pain
• Limited mobility
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Problems using standard office equipment
• Fatigue
• Difficulty travelling independently

An adviser will normally assess:

• Your condition
• Your work duties
• Your workplace
• Existing adjustments already in place
• Additional support that may help

Each application is assessed individually.

Are There Income Rules?

Does your income affect Access to Work?

No.

Access to Work is not means tested.

Your:

• Salary
• Household income
• Partner’s earnings
• Savings

do not normally affect whether you qualify.

Eligibility is based on disability related workplace needs rather than financial circumstances.

Are There Savings Rules?

Do savings affect Access to Work?

No.

Unlike many welfare benefits, there is no savings limit.

Whether you have no savings or substantial savings, your eligibility is based on how arthritis affects your work.

How Much Could You Receive?

How much can Access to Work pay?

There is no standard payment because every award is individually assessed.

Funding can help cover:

The Government sets an annual maximum award, but most people receive funding based solely on the support recommended during their assessment.

Examples of support for arthritis

Depending on your circumstances, Access to Work may fund:

• Adjustable desks
• Specialist office seating
• Wrist supports
• Ergonomic keyboards
• Speech to text software
• Hands free equipment
• Adapted computer equipment
• Modified tools
• Specialist footwear advice
• Parking support
• Taxi travel where public transport is unsuitable
• Workplace coaching
• Manual handling advice

How Do You Apply?

How do you apply for Access to Work for Arthritis?

You can apply online or by telephone.

The application process usually involves:

Step 1

Complete the application.

Step 2

Provide details about:

• Your employer
• Your job
• Your arthritis
• The difficulties you experience

Step 3

An adviser may contact you.

Step 4

A workplace assessment may be arranged.

Step 5

Recommendations are produced.

Step 6

Funding is agreed where appropriate.

Step 7

Equipment or services are arranged.

What Documents Will You Need?

What information should you prepare?

You may need:

• National Insurance number
• Employer details
• Workplace address
• Job description
• GP or consultant details
• Information about your arthritis
• Details of any workplace adjustments already in place
• Quotes for specialist equipment if requested

Medical evidence is not always required immediately, but providing supporting information can help where requested.

What Workplace Adjustments Can Access to Work Fund?

What practical help is available?

Many people with arthritis benefit from relatively simple workplace changes.

Examples include:

The exact support depends on your assessment.

What Happens If Your Circumstances Change?

Should you report changes?

Yes.

Tell Access to Work if:

• You change employer.
• You move workplace.
• Your arthritis worsens.
• Your condition improves significantly.
• Your job role changes.
• You become self employed.
• Your support needs change.

A review may be carried out to make sure your support remains appropriate.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

What mistakes should applicants avoid?

Common mistakes include:

• Assuming arthritis is not severe enough.
• Waiting until work becomes impossible.
• Not explaining how symptoms affect daily work.
• Forgetting to mention fatigue.
• Underestimating travel difficulties.
• Not involving your employer where appropriate.
• Delaying the application after starting a new job.
• Assuming all equipment is automatically approved.

Providing detailed examples of how arthritis affects your work often leads to a more accurate assessment.

Examples And Real Life Scenarios

Example One

Sarah works in an office and has rheumatoid arthritis.

Typing throughout the day causes severe wrist pain.

Following an assessment, she receives funding for:

• Ergonomic keyboard
• Adjustable chair
• Voice recognition software

She continues working comfortably without reducing her hours.

Example Two

David is a self employed electrician with osteoarthritis.

Kneeling and carrying equipment causes significant pain.

Access to Work helps fund adapted equipment that reduces strain and improves safety while working.

Example Three

Louise cannot comfortably use public transport because standing causes severe joint pain.

Following assessment, Access to Work contributes towards taxi journeys so she can continue working.

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Access to Work if I have osteoarthritis?

Yes, provided your osteoarthritis creates difficulties at work and you meet the eligibility rules.

Can I claim Access to Work if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of many long term conditions that may qualify.

Is Access to Work a benefit?

No.

It is a Government grant that funds workplace support rather than everyday living costs.

Does Access to Work affect Universal Credit?

No.

Access to Work itself does not normally reduce Universal Credit entitlement.

Can self employed people apply?

Yes.

Many self employed people with arthritis successfully receive Access to Work support.

Can I receive taxi funding?

Possibly.

Taxi support may be available where arthritis prevents you using public transport safely or reasonably.

Will my employer receive the money?

Sometimes.

Depending on the type of support, payments may be made directly to your employer, supplier or reimbursed after approved purchases.

Can I apply before starting a job?

Yes.

You can apply if you have a confirmed job offer or are about to begin work.

How long does the application take?

Times vary depending on demand and whether an assessment is required.

Applying as early as possible is recommended.

Do I need to receive Personal Independence Payment?

No.

Receiving Personal Independence Payment is not a requirement for Access to Work.

Related Benefits And Support Available

People with arthritis may also qualify for other support depending on their circumstances.

Potential benefits include:

Receiving one form of support does not automatically guarantee entitlement to another, as each scheme has different rules.

Useful Government Resources

Information reviewed against current UK Government guidance and official sources.

Useful official resources include:

• GOV.UK Access to Work guidance
• Department for Work and Pensions
• NHS information about arthritis
• Equality Advisory and Support Service
• ACAS workplace guidance
• Citizens Advice

Always refer to the latest Government guidance, as eligibility rules and funding arrangements can change.

Conclusion

Access to Work for Arthritis can make a significant difference to people who want to remain in work despite the challenges of living with a painful or limiting joint condition. The scheme focuses on removing workplace barriers by funding practical support that helps people perform their jobs safely and effectively.

If arthritis affects your mobility, grip, stamina, comfort or ability to travel to work, it is worth exploring whether Access to Work could help. The support available is tailored to your individual needs rather than being based on your income or savings, making it an important resource for employees, apprentices and self employed workers across the UK.

Applying early, explaining clearly how your condition affects your work and providing accurate information can improve the assessment process and help ensure you receive the most appropriate support.

Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.