What is a Health Adjustment Passport & How to Apply for It?

Navigating the workplace with a disability or health condition can present unique challenges. The Health Adjustment Passport (HAP) is a UK government initiative designed to support individuals in identifying and communicating the adjustments they need to thrive in their roles. Whether you’re entering the workforce or seeking to maintain your current employment, the HAP serves as a valuable tool to ensure your needs are met.

---

What is a Health Adjustment Passport?

The Health Adjustment Passport is a document that helps individuals with disabilities or health conditions articulate the support and changes (known as reasonable adjustments) they require in the workplace. It serves as a record of the adjustments that have been agreed upon with employers, facilitating ongoing support and reducing the need for repeated discussions. The passport can be used to:

• Identify necessary adjustments for moving into or staying in work.
• Apply for support from Access to Work, which may include funding for specialist equipment or support services.
• Communicate effectively with employers about adjustments and in-work support needs.

The HAP is designed to be a living document, allowing individuals to update it as their needs change over time. It can be saved and edited digitally, making it adaptable to fluctuating and progressive health conditions.

---

How to Apply for a Health Adjustment Passport

Applying for a Health Adjustment Passport involves the following steps:

1. Download the Passport: Access the Health Adjustment Passport from the official GOV.UK website.
2. Complete the Document: Fill in the passport with information about your health condition, the impact on your work, and the adjustments you require. The document includes sections for:
   • Personal details
   • Health condition and its impact
   • Agreed adjustments
   • Review dates
3. Discuss with Your Employer: Share the completed passport with your employer to discuss and agree upon the necessary adjustments. This collaborative approach ensures that both parties understand and commit to the support required.
4. Utilize for Access to Work: If applicable, use the passport to support your application for Access to Work, which can provide additional funding for adjustments.

---

What Benefits Are Associated with Having a Health Adjustment Passport?

Having a Health Adjustment Passport offers several benefits:

• Clear Communication: It provides a clear record of agreed adjustments, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring consistent support.
• Efficiency: By documenting adjustments, the passport streamlines the process for future discussions, saving time for both employees and employers.
• Support for Access to Work: The passport can be used to support applications for Access to Work, potentially securing funding for specialist equipment or support services.
• Adaptability: The document can be updated as needs change, ensuring ongoing relevance and effectiveness.

---

Can a Disabled Person Get a Free Passport?

In the UK, the standard adult passport costs £82.50 for a 34-page passport and £93.00 for a 50-page passport. However, individuals with disabilities may be eligible for free passport services, including assistance with completing application forms and attending appointments. For more information, visit the GOV.UK passport services for disabled individuals.

---

What Is the Cost of the Disability Confident Scheme?

The Disability Confident scheme is a government initiative that supports employers in recruiting and retaining disabled people. There is no cost to join the scheme. Employers can register for free and gain access to resources and guidance to help them become more inclusive. For more details, visit the Disability Confident website.

Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

Other articles you might like:
Asking for Reasonable Adjustments at Work: Tips, Template & Resources
What the UK Spending Review Means for Disabled People in the UK
Positive Talk About Disability in the Workplace
WeDeserveBetter: A Movement for Accessibility and Inclusion
Is it Considered a Disability in the UK?
How to Challenge a PIP Decision in the UK: What to Do If Your Claim Is Refused or Underpaid