Who
Disabled people starting or in a job in Northern Ireland
This is the Northern Ireland scheme, run by the Department for Communities.
Quick facts
- Who
- Disabled people starting or in a job in Northern Ireland
- Pays towards
- Equipment, communication support, adaptations, travel
- How long
- Up to three years, then reviewed
- Run by
- Department for Communities
- Apply
- By email, or through a work coach
Who can get it — the full rules
You can get help if you are disabled and want to take up a job, or you are in work and have difficulty because of your disability. It can also help employers who want to recruit or keep disabled staff.
The application must be made by the person with the disability, not by the employer.
What it pays for
- communication support, such as a communicator at work or at a job interview if you are deaf or have a hearing impairment
- special aids and equipment for your work needs
- changes to the workplace and its equipment
- practical support at work, or getting to and from work
- extra costs of travelling to and from work because of your disability
- extra costs for your employer, such as in-work travel or disability awareness training
nidirect does not give a fixed amount. It helps towards the extra approved costs, and the benefit to you and to the business is taken into account in every case.
How to apply
Work out what help you need at work
Access to Work (NI) helps with the practical problems caused by disability in a particular job or getting to and from work.
Email the Department for Communities
Contact the Department at HealthandWorkSupportCo-ordination@communities-ni.gov.uk for more information and to apply.
Or ask a work coach to put you in touch
A work coach at your Jobs and Benefits office can contact your local Access to Work (NI) team for you.
Use sign language if you prefer
You can contact Access to Work (NI) in British Sign Language or Irish Sign Language through the video relay service.
Things to watch
Help is approved for as long as it is needed, up to a maximum of three years. After that, it is looked at again under the rules in place at the time.
It will not pay for reasonable adjustments. These are changes your employer must legally make, such as standard equipment and standard health and safety needs. It does not pay for medical aids you use or wear outside work.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Apply: Access to Work (NI), Department for Communities
- HealthandWorkSupportCo-ordination@communities-ni.gov.uk
From the official pages (nidirect.gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
Is there Access to Work in NI?
Yes. Access to Work (NI) is run by the Department for Communities.
What is the Access to Work NI phone number?
nidirect lists an email address, HealthandWorkSupportCo-ordination@communities-ni.gov.uk, and says a work coach can give you your local team's contact details.
Can my employer apply for me?
No. The application must be made by the person with the disability.
How long does Access to Work NI last?
Help is approved for as long as it is needed, up to a maximum of three years.