Access to Work NI
Access to Work (NI) – Practical Help at Work
If you are Deaf, have hearing loss, or tinnitus, Access to Work (NI) can help cover the cost of assistive devices, communication support, and other practical workplace adjustments to help you get into or stay in work.
What is Access to Work (NI)?
Access to Work (NI) is a government scheme that supports people with disabilities, including those who are Deaf, have hearing loss, or tinnitus, by providing financial assistance for necessary workplace adjustments.
Employers are legally required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that employees with disabilities are not substantially disadvantaged. If additional support is required beyond these adjustments, Access to Work (NI) may provide funding for:
• Communication support for Deaf employees who use British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL), including interpreters and lip speakers.
• Specialist equipment, such as hearing loops or assistive listening devices.
• Adaptations to workplace premises or equipment to meet specific needs.
• Practical assistance for getting to and from work.
• Support for additional costs incurred due to a disability, such as extra ‘in-work’ travel costs or disability awareness training for colleagues.
This financial support does not need to be repaid and will not affect any other benefits you receive.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for Access to Work (NI), you must:
• Be aged 16 or over.
• Have a disability or condition that affects your ability to work.
• Be in paid employment (16 hours per week minimum) or about to start or return to work.
Certain benefit recipients may not be eligible. To check your eligibility, visit the nidirect website.
How to Apply
In Northern Ireland, you can apply through the Department for Communities or by contacting your local Jobs and Benefits Office.
For more information or to submit an application, contact: Email: HealthandWorkSupportCo-ordination@communities-ni.gov.uk
Or speak with a Work Coach at your local Jobs and Benefits Office.
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Support for BSL and ISL Users
You can use British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) to contact Access to Work (NI).
• contact Access to Work (NI) InterpretersLive! VRS
• The interpreter will check whether you require BSL or ISL
The application must be made by the person with the disability. A work coach can contact your local Access to Work team for you or give you their contact details.
Help will be approved for as long as it is needed up to a maximum of three years. After that, if support is still needed it will be considered under the rules of the programme in operation at that time.
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What Access to Work (NI) Will Not Cover
Access to Work (NI) does not fund ‘reasonable adjustments’ that employers are legally required to provide under the law.
For more information on Access to Work (NI) and how AdaptNI can support you to apply or with pre or in work support, contact us at info@adaptni.co.uk
