All Articles
5 min read
Access to Work Delays UK 2025: What Disabled Employees and Jobseekers Should Know
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
October 28, 2025
Access to Work was designed to be a lifeline for disabled employees and jobseekers but in 2025, that lifeline has become tangled in red tape. Across the UK, thousands are waiting months for essential equipment, travel support, or workplace adjustments. These delays are leaving disabled people out of work, struggling financially, and feeling forgotten by a system meant to help them.
At Purpl, we know how crucial this support is. We often hear from our community about having to self-fund mobility aids or specialist software while waiting for approval. That’s why this guide not only explains what’s happening with the Access to Work delays, but also shows realistic ways to stay supported, save money, and protect wellbeing while waiting.
At a Glance
- Average decision time: 84.6 days in February 2025 (UK Parliament written answer)
- Applications awaiting processing: 62,000 in February 2025 (includes new, renewals and changes)
- Biggest impact: Job offers delayed, employees working without adjustments, and people self-funding interim support
- Causes: Not officially stated by the UK Government; performance is under scrutiny
- What helps: Apply early, follow up regularly, keep records, and explore interim support while the case progresses
- Purpl insight: Members report saving hundreds on assistive tech and mobility products — bridging the gap until government funding arrives
In this Guide
- Why This Matters Now
- What Is Access to Work?
- The Scale of the Delay
- Why Are Delays Happening?
- Real-Life Consequences for Disabled Workers
- Workarounds: How to Keep Going While You Wait
- How to Apply and Track Progress
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion: Don’t Wait Passively – Take Action
Why This Matters Now
Access to Work was meant to empower disabled people to start and stay in employment but many are finding the process painfully slow. In February 2025, the average decision time was 84.6 days, leaving applicants unable to start jobs or manage without vital tools and transport. These long waits affect mental health, financial security and career opportunities, widening the disability employment gap that the scheme was designed to close.
Purpl insight: Members frequently tell us they’ve dipped into savings or relied on family to stay afloat. Purpl exists to change that, giving members instant savings on mobility aids, assistive tech and travel so that independence doesn’t have to wait.
What Is Access to Work?
Access to Work (AtW) is a government-funded scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that provides financial help for disabled people to work effectively and safely.
The grant can pay for:
- Specialist or adaptive equipment (for example, screen readers, ergonomic chairs, hearing assistance)
- Travel costs if public transport isn’t suitable
- Support workers or interpreters
- Adjustments to workspaces and technology (including at home for hybrid arrangements)
Eligibility applies where a disability or long-term health condition affects the ability to do a job or travel to work.
Purpl Tip: Apply for Access to Work before a new role starts wherever possible because it helps ensure support arrives when needed.
The Scale of the Delay
The numbers reveal a continuing challenge:
- Average decision time: 84.6 days (February 2025)
- Applications awaiting processing: 62,000 (February 2025)
Some applicants report waits of four months or more. Disability charities warn that bottlenecks risk setting inclusion back years. (Note: the official figures do not provide a breakdown by employment status.)
Why Are Delays Happening?
The government has not published an official list of causes. Performance and delivery are under scrutiny, but specific reasons such as staffing levels or hybrid assessments are not confirmed in GOV.UK guidance.
Purpl Tip: Provide detailed evidence and quotes when you apply. Incomplete or unclear applications are far more likely to be delayed.
Real-Life Consequences for Disabled Workers
Access to Work delays don’t just slow down paperwork, they disrupt lives:
- Job offers delayed or withdrawn because equipment isn’t ready
- Employees working without necessary adjustments, risking injury or burnout
- Mental health strains from prolonged uncertainty
- Financial pressure where people self-fund taxis, desks or software to keep working
Workarounds: How to Keep Going While You Wait
Here are practical steps to help you stay supported while waiting for Access to Work approval:
1. Talk Early with Your Employer
Explain your situation honestly. Most employers are sympathetic when they understand delays are out of your control.
Purpl Tip: Mention that your Access to Work application is active and share your reference number, it shows initiative and transparency.
2. Ask for Temporary Reasonable Adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments. This can include working from home, flexible scheduling, shared office equipment, or temporary funding for minor adjustments while a decision is pending.
3. Document Everything
Keep a timeline of calls, emails, and any costs. This record helps with follow-ups and, where appropriate, claims.
4. Explore Interim Support
Charities, local authorities and some employers hold small funds for accessibility or emergency equipment.
5. Connect with Others
Join Purpl’s members community to share tips, advice, and moral support from people going through the same thing.
How to Apply and Track Progress
Check you’re eligible and apply through the official GOV.UK website, here are two key links that will help you get started:
GOV.UK: Check you’re eligible
GOV.UK: Apply for Access to Work
Best Practice Tips
- Apply early, ideally before starting a new role
- Keep the reference number safe and use it in follow-ups
- Chase progress periodically (there’s no formal interval set in policy)
- If there has been no movement after a sustained period, it’s reasonable to ask an MP to raise an enquiry — this is practical advice, not a formal DWP rule
- Ask the employer to note any lost time or costs due to the delay
Know Your Rights While You Wait
Here some practical, official guidance to use while an Access to Work decision is pending.
- GOV.UK: Reasonable Adjustments (Equality Act 2010), what employers must do to remove barriers at work.
- GOV.UK: What it Can Fund and How it Works, official overview of eligibility, support and process.
- GOV.UK: Claiming Money from Your Grant, see the “Claiming money from your grant” section for how to claim once approved.
- GOV.UK: Access to Work Helpline, contact details for chasing an application and getting guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I start work before my Access to Work application is approved?
Yes, but speak to your employer about temporary adjustments to avoid health or safety issues.
What if my job offer is withdrawn due to delays?
Keep written evidence and contact your MP or ACAS for advice. You may have grounds to challenge discriminatory treatment.
Are self-employed applicants eligible?
Yes. Self-employed people can apply but may wait longer and must show how their condition affects their work.
Can I change jobs during the process?
Yes, but you’ll need to update your application immediately under “change of circumstances”.
Can I claim back expenses I’ve already paid?
Only for items and support approved in the Access to Work decision letter and claimed in line with the official process. Do not buy items expecting reimbursement unless Access to Work has agreed them.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait Passively – Take Action
Access to Work delays are frustrating, but they don’t have to stop your career. By staying proactive, knowing your rights, and using Purpl’s support network and discounts, you can keep working, saving and thriving while you wait for official help.
Your employment, your wellbeing and your productivity matter. Use every tool available to maintain momentum while the system catches up.
About the Author
Georgina Colman is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through meaningful discounts and exclusive offers. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands first-hand the financial pressures that come with managing a disability — and she’s on a mission to help others offset those costs and live more freely.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows what it’s like to face a loss of independence and navigate daily challenges. Her passion for holistic health, nutrition, and inflammation management fuels her commitment to staying well and empowering others to do the same.
Through Purpl, she aims to build more than just a savings platform — she’s creating an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, expert advice, and genuine financial relief.
The Purpl Members Private Facebook Group provides a safe, supportive community where members can connect, share experiences, and lift each other up.
Looking ahead, Georgina’s long-term vision is to launch a foundation offering grants to disabled individuals who need additional financial support, ensuring no one is left behind due to circumstance or cost.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
Get That Dream Job, Asking for What You Want
Top 10 Tips for Finding Work if you are Disabled
Positive Talk About Disability in the Workplace
Asking for Reasonable Adjustments at Work: Tips, Template & Resources
What is a Health Adjustment Passport & How to Apply
