Disabled individuals in the UK are struggling to receive crucial support that helps them start or stay in a job due to long delays in processing applications under the government’s Access to Work scheme. Many applicants are waiting for months, with some even losing job offers due to the backlog. This issue has raised serious concerns, prompting MPs to demand urgent reforms.
What Is the Access to Work Scheme?
The Access to Work scheme provides financial support to disabled people in employment or those seeking work. This funding covers essential services like:
- Specialist equipment and assistive technology
- Support workers, such as BSL interpreters
- Travel costs for those unable to use public transport
This scheme is designed to help disabled individuals remain in the workforce by ensuring they have the necessary support. However, delays in processing applications are making it difficult for people to access these benefits.
Delays Are Impacting Disabled Workers
MP Steve Darling highlighted the growing backlog and how it is “exacerbating vulnerabilities” among disabled people. He shared examples of claimants facing serious delays:
- A constituent had to wait six months for their application to be approved.
- Another nearly lost a job offer because of processing delays.
Darling expressed concern that these delays are not only preventing people from getting the support they need but also putting them at financial risk.
Government Acknowledges the Issue
Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms admitted that the system is overwhelmed. He noted that the number of people receiving Access to Work support has more than doubled in the past seven years.
Between 2023 and 2024, the number of approved claims increased from 34,800 to 49,920, leading to a serious backlog. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has struggled to keep up with the growing demand.
Possible Reforms and Employer Responsibilities
With the current system under strain, Timms suggested that employers should take more responsibility in providing reasonable adjustments for disabled employees.
Under the law, employers are required to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled workers, but the growing demand for Access to Work suggests that this support is still insufficient.
Tens of Thousands of Applications Stuck in Backlog
Recent data suggests that there are over 37,000 unresolved applications, causing severe delays for individuals in need of urgent support.
A charity, Disability Rights UK, found that the longest wait time for a claim was 254 working days—nearly a year. This means that some disabled individuals are waiting almost 12 months to receive support they need to work.
Adding to the problem, financial support for claimants has also decreased.
- In 2017-18, the average support payment was £5,922.
- In 2023-24, this dropped to £5,112.
This decline in financial assistance, combined with long wait times, is making it even harder for disabled people to stay in employment.
The Bigger Picture: Struggles for Disabled People in the Workforce
Since Labour took power in July 2024, the government has focused on reducing the benefits bill by billions and encouraging more people back into work.
However, the UK is currently facing a record high of 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term illness, making it the worst among G7 countries.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has admitted that the benefits system has “serious failures” and is “letting down” people with mental health conditions who want to work.
Many disabled claimants worry that these policies may force them into unsuitable jobs or result in reduced disability benefits, despite their inability to work.
What Is the Government Doing?
A DWP spokesperson stated that the government is committed to supporting disabled individuals. Plans for reforming the health and disability benefits system will be announced in Spring.
In the meantime, the government has taken temporary measures to improve processing times, including:
- Hiring additional staff to handle Access to Work claims
- Making online applications easier to speed up the process
However, with thousands of disabled individuals still waiting months for support, it is clear that further urgent reforms are needed.
The Access to Work scheme is a vital support system for disabled individuals, but long delays are preventing many from securing or keeping jobs. With tens of thousands of applications still pending, urgent reforms are necessary to improve processing times and provide adequate financial support. As the government works on a long-term solution, ensuring disabled individuals do not suffer due to inefficiencies must be a priority.
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FAQ’s
What is the Access to Work scheme?
The Access to Work scheme is a government program that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals to help them start or stay in a job. It covers costs like assistive equipment, support workers, and travel expenses.
Why are Access to Work applications delayed?
A high number of applications and limited resources have created a backlog of over 37,000 cases, causing delays of several months for claimants.
How long does it take to process an Access to Work application?
Some applicants have waited up to 254 working days—almost a year—for their claims to be processed, significantly impacting their ability to work.
What support does Access to Work provide?
The scheme covers specialist equipment, assistive technology, support workers like BSL interpreters, and travel costs for those unable to use public transport.
What is the government doing to fix these delays?
The government has hired extra staff and improved online applications while planning major reforms to speed up the process.
Can employers help reduce the burden on Access to Work?
Yes, employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees. The government is considering ways for them to take on more responsibility.
