How to get FREE ADHD coaching fully-funded by the govt! 👇
Hi ADHD clubbers
Did you know that there’s a way to get fully funded (free for you!) ADHD coaching if you’re working in England, Scotland & Wales?
It’s through a scheme called Access to Work. This helps thousands of people a year get access to life-changing ADHD coaching from specialists like me.
Access to Work supports people :
Who have ADHD and it affects them at work
Who are waiting for diagnosis
Are diagnosed and don’t know what to do
People who are self-diagnosed and struggling with ADHD at work.
Here I tell you everything you need to know - to get this support…..
What is it?
Access to work is a govt grant which funds support. It's for anyone with a disability or condition that affects your job - including ADHD!
You do not need a formal diagnosis to be eligible or receive support.
If you live in England, Scotland & Wales There is up to £66,000 of govt funding available per year per person. The grants fund ADHD coaching, equipment and admin support like a virtual assistant.
The govt pays for support for people who are employed and self-employed.
This sounds too good to be true - do people actually get the money?Yes they do! Only 1% of people who are eligible apply, because this service isn’t always widely publicised.
If you need support applying for Access to Work and are interested in ADHD coaching book a FREE intro call.
This is game-changing for anyone with ADHD who's ADHD affects them at work.
Who gets funding?
Eligibility: you must have a disability, illness or health condition that means you need support to do your job.
The full eligibility criteria is here it covers physical disabilities and learning differences including ADHD, dyslexia and Autism and mental health conditions, for example anxiety & depression.
Important to note: you do not need a formal diagnosis to apply. You can be self-diagnosed, or waiting for diagnosis.
You can get support ‘however much you earn or have in savings, at the same time as most benefits, as long as you work more than 1 hour a week at minimum wage.’
What can I get from Access to Work?
Access to work funds:
1:1 Coaching - normally around 12-20 sessions are paid for.
Equipment: e.g second screen, standing desk, voice to text software for notes, digital notepads, grammarly for typos etc.
Virtual assistants: people are awarded VA support in areas they struggle with due to ADHD e.g time management, attention to detail, diary management etc. E.g things which take you longer because of ADHD you can get support.
How to apply: apply using this form & get on the waiting list.
If you need support with applying for Access to Work and are interested in ADHD coaching with me book a FREE intro call here.
REALLY IMPORTANT: You are NOT fully assessed by what you write on the form; it doesn't need to be perfect.
FAQs
Do I need a formal diagnosis to apply? No ATW is available for anyone who is self-diagnosed, or waiting for a diagnosis. You just need to explain how ADHD affects you at work.
This feels too good to be true, do people actually get funding? Yes they do! Around 90% of my clients have their coaching paid for by the govt. And I see new people everyday who have been awarded support via Access to Work.
How long does it take to get support? The current waiting list for Access to Work is 12 weeks to be contacted but its normally 4-6 months from applying to receiving support
Can I get Access to Work support if I’m self-employed? Yes, you just need to provide a UTR and business plan.
I’ve been given an award back from Access to Work which doesn’t cover coaching can I appeal: yes! If you can justify why you need support you can appeal and they often will review the offer.
Do I have to go with their list of providers? No, you can choose your own provider. I give coaching through Access to Work: if you want to know more book an intro call here.
My caseworker was awful what do I do? You can ask for a new caseworker if you do not feel comfortable with yours. It can be hit and miss!
I hate doing boring admin in my job, would a VA do that? Access to work doesn't cover jobs you dislike, but if it takes you longer to do something they give support to make up the difference.
What’s the catch?
The current waitlist from sending the form in to being contacted is 12 weeks. It normally takes around 5-6 months to access coaching.
The process itself isn’t ADHD friendly with lots of emails and forms so do get support if you need it! This can be from a friend or HR at work.
You will need to tell work you’re applying. They won’t be involved in the assessment, but will need to be aware you’re getting support and confirm you work there.
Coaching is fully funded, but if you pay for coaching it can take 3-4 weeks for money to be reimbursed. It's through an online system.
Support awarded varies depending on your caseworker, so you may not always be awarded what you want. It’s important to note you can negotiate what’s offered based on your needs. I support people with this process.
So many of my clients get the support they need through this scheme after being diagnosed. So it is worth advocating for. However, it’s not an easy process.
If you need support with applying for Access to Work and are interested in ADHD coaching with me book a FREE intro call here.
Keep scrolling for more information on how to apply.
How ADHD coaching through Access to Work works: step-by-step
People apply via the ATW website & get on the waiting list (for about 12 weeks)REALLY IMPORTANT: You are NOT fully assessed by what you write on the form; it doesn't need to be perfect.
Access to Work do an assessment - normally a phone call with a support worker, you’ll need to talk through anything you want like ADHD coaching.
You may be asked to supply quotes for Access to Work from a coach, or be given options. You can choose who you would like to work with as a coach 'strategy support worker' or VA 'support worker'.
Access to Work award you a certain amount of coaching hours/VA support/equipment
Access to work approve a quote from a coach/VA
Client gets coaching 🥳
Coaching is billed to the client and reimbursed or sometimes billed directly to Access to Work by the coach.
How to apply for Access to Work
Fill out the form here: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
You will be assessed by a support worker via phone. They'll arrange this via email.
Important to note: the form shouldn’t take too long to complete and you will not be assessed only by what’s on the form. The most important thing is to submit the form and get in the queue.
Questions in the form
(Feel free to copy and paste these questions into a google doc?)
Are you a civil servant? If you are not sure whether you are classed as a civil servant, your employer will be able to tell you.
What are your conditions or disabilities? (ADHD, dyslexia, Autism etc.)
Do you want some help to get to work? (Transport etc.)
Does your condition make it harder for you to do your job?
Tell us how it is harder: (examples)
Diary management
Procrastination
Memory
Focus issues/hyperfocus
Time management
stress/overwhelm
Planning and prioritsing
Do you do anything to get around these problems at the moment?
Tell us what you do
E.g using a calendar, to-do list, writing things down, support from colleagues etc.
Using project management software reminders etc.
Do you know what you need to help you with this?
Tell us what would help you
I have been recommended ADHD coaching by my therapist/psychiatrist/employer
I have heard that ADHD coaching can help with organisation strategies etc and have spoken to an ADHD coach.
I think a standing desk might be helpful because I’m hyperactive and prefer to stand, I need noise-cancelling headphones to help me in the office.
Your job details:
Your employments, Where you work, Job title, How long have you been in your role, How many hours do you work per week, About you - your name address etc.
Further resources:
👉 ADHD UK website information
👉 Employer fact sheet (govt website).
👉 If you like detail:case workers guidance fo
