How to apply for Access to Work when you are self employed with ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia: the questions the application asks, example answers, what you need before you start, and how long the wait really is.

You have known about Access to Work for months. You have opened the form, looked at the first question, and closed the tab again. And then felt bad about closing it.

In this episode, Esther Bangura, financial coach for neurodivergent adults, shares her own Access to Work application as a self employed business owner with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia, and walks you through it question by question, so the form stops being a mystery.

She explains what to gather before you start, including your UTR if you are self employed, and goes through the real questions on the form, from how your conditions affect you at work, to specialist equipment, to asking for a support worker or an ADHD coach. You will hear example answers written for 2 made up people, an employee and a self employed business owner, and the 3 rules that make any answer stronger. Esther also shares how long she waited, what happened when she chased, and the simple executive dysfunction fix that finally got her application sent: 1 hour with a body double.

This is Part 2 of 2. Part 1, episode 92, explains what Access to Work is and what it pays for.

Highlights

• The questions the Access to Work application actually asks, with example answers for an employee and a self employed business owner
• How to ask for a support worker or an ADHD coach, and the 3 rules that make any answer stronger
• What happened when Esther chased after 8 months, and the body double hour that got her application done in one sitting

Links and resources

• Book a 90 minute one to one coaching session: estherbangura.com/coaching
• Get 50% off the PocketSmith Foundation Monthly plan for the first two months: https://my.pocketsmith.com/redeem?tap_a=77627-d2024d&ref=mzjlndb&code=50OFFPREMIUM-F4RG This is an affiliate link. If you sign up, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
• Free ND Money Report: estherbangura.com/nd-money-report
• Questions, feedback and reviews: estherbangura.com/ask

Access to Work

• Apply and check the current rules: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
• Access to Work helpline: 0800 121 7479, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 7479. BSL video relay service available through gov.uk.
• Northern Ireland has its own scheme, Access to Work (NI), run by the Department for Communities: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/access-work-ni-practical-help-work

Outside the UK

• US: Job Accommodation Network, askjan.org. Your state Vocational Rehabilitation service.
• Australia: Employment Assistance Fund through JobAccess, jobaccess.gov.au
• Rules and schemes change and differ by country. Always check a reputable website or your local services.

Related episodes

92 | Access to Work for ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia: What It Pays For, Who Can Apply and How It Works

9 | The Hidden Cost of Overwhelm: How Stress Spending Starts For Neurodivergents

91 | ADHD Income and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Why You Don't Ask for More Money

84 | Neurodivergent Business Owners: Why the Money Side Feels So Much Harder