The Access to Work scheme, designed to help disabled people start or remain in employment, is under intense scrutiny as tens of thousands of applications face significant delays.
MPs have sounded the alarm, warning that the backlog is worsening, with some claimants waiting up to six months for their applications to be processed.
These delays are not just bureaucratic headaches—they are threatening livelihoods and forcing some disabled individuals out of work altogether.
On Wednesday, MP Steve Darling raised the issue at a work and pensions select committee meeting, revealing how the government’s failure to process Access to Work claims in a timely manner is “exacerbating vulnerabilities” among claimants. Here’s what’s happening and what reforms might be on the way.
Access to Work
Access to Work is a government-funded program that provides financial support to help disabled people overcome work-related barriers. This can include:
- Specialist equipment and assistive software
- Support workers, such as British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
- Travel costs, if public transport is inaccessible
The aim is to ensure that disability does not become a barrier to employment. However, processing delays are leaving many without the critical support they need, with devastating consequences.
Backlog
According to recent figures, there are an estimated 37,000 unresolved Access to Work applications, with some claimants facing wait times of up to 254 working days—nearly a full year.
The average waiting period has ballooned, leaving disabled individuals in limbo while they await approval for vital support.
| Year | Applications | Average Wait (days) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 49,920 | Up to 254 |
| 2017-18 | 34,800 | Much shorter |
Despite a sharp rise in demand—support increased by more than 15,000 claimants in just one year—the average amount of financial assistance provided has dropped. In 2017-18, the average Access to Work grant was £5,922, compared to just £5,112 last year.
MPs Demand Reform
MP Steve Darling highlighted the real-life impact of these delays:
- One constituent waited six months for a decision despite being already employed and needing support.
- Another faced losing a job offer because their Access to Work claim had not been processed in time.
“We want to help people back into work,” Darling said. “Yet the department is part of the problem.”
Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, admitting that Access to Work is “not in good shape” due to a surge in applications. He suggested that “significant reforms” are necessary to keep the scheme sustainable in the long term.
Employers
One potential reform being considered is increasing the responsibility of employers. Under current laws, employers are already required to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled employees, but Timms hinted that employers could play a larger role in reducing the burden on Access to Work.
Broader Challenges
The delays in Access to Work come amid broader issues facing disabled people in the workplace. Despite government efforts to cut the benefits bill and encourage more people into work, the unemployment rate for disabled individuals remains high.
A record 2.8 million people are currently out of work due to long-term sickness, giving the UK the worst unemployment rate in the G7. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has criticized the system, calling it a “serious failure” for people with mental health conditions and other disabilities who want to work.
However, critics argue that pushing disabled people into unsuitable roles or cutting their benefits without adequate support risks deepening the crisis.
Government Response
A DWP spokesperson acknowledged the challenges but insisted that reforms are on the way:
“We’re committed to delivering opportunities for all—including disabled people who want to work but have been denied the support they need.
“We’ve also brought in extra staff to process Access to Work claims while making online applications easier, so we can help more people get the support they need.”
The Get Britain Working White Paper, due for release in the Spring, promises to address these issues with a comprehensive plan for reforming health and disability benefits.
Final Thoughts
The Access to Work scheme is vital for ensuring equal employment opportunities for disabled people. But the current backlog and delays are threatening to undermine its very purpose.
As the government prepares for reforms, the focus must remain on speeding up processing times and ensuring that claimants get the support they need without unnecessary obstacles.
If you’re waiting for Access to Work support, it’s crucial to stay informed, follow up on your application regularly, and seek help from advocacy organizations like Disability Rights UK.
FAQs
What is Access to Work?
It’s a government scheme that provides financial support to help disabled people work by covering costs like specialist equipment and travel.
How long does it take to process Access to Work claims?
Current delays mean some claimants wait up to 254 working days for approval.
What can Access to Work funding cover?
It can pay for specialist equipment, support workers, or travel costs for work.
Why is there a backlog in Access to Work applications?
A surge in demand and increased applications have slowed down processing times.
What reforms are being proposed for Access to Work?
Reforms include reducing delays and increasing employers’ role in supporting disabled employees.
