Help with your Access to Work renewal
Your renewal is a chance to explain what is helping, what has changed and where you need more support. We’ll help you prepare and work through the process. We can also discuss a support worker or assistant for the next award period, whether you’re already with us or looking to move.
How we can help you prepare
Start with the support you use now. What helps you get through the day? What still feels difficult? We can help you work through the renewal information and explain how the support fits your job, from planning the week to keeping deadlines in view or preparing for meetings.
You don’t need to have everything written up or provide a diagnostic report to contact us. We welcome neurodivergent people, including those who think they may be neurodivergent. A few examples of what works and what you’d like to change will give us something to work through together.
Keep a clear record of changes
New duties, different hours or a new workplace may change the help you need. The same goes for changes in your self-employed work. If you’re thinking about moving to us as well, mention that so we can talk about the handover.
Have these details ready
- Your award end date and reference
- The current approved support and hours
- What the support has helped you do
- Needs that aren’t being met
- Changes to your work or circumstances
- Questions for the next period of support
A few examples of the support that has helped are useful when we talk through the next period.
Help during the renewal process
We can help before you submit your renewal or once it’s underway. Where have you reached, and which parts would you like help with? The official renewal guidance explains when and how to renew. The government service makes the funding decision.
Before submitting
Keep your current award, examples of useful support and any renewal messages to hand. We’ll talk through the information you need to prepare and agree which parts we’ll help with, which you’ll handle and any charges.
While the renewal is being considered
If you get stuck, you can come back to us with the question. We can also plan around your current award’s end date and discuss what happens if there’s a gap. Check what the existing award still covers: its hours don’t automatically continue after it ends.
Questions we can work through together
- What’s changed in your work or support needs?
- What information do you need to prepare?
- Which parts will we help with and which will you handle?
- Are there charges for that help?
- What happens if your current award ends before the next decision?
Your award end date helps us plan with you, so include it when you get in touch.
Agree the next arrangement once the position is clear
Once you have the decision, we can look at the approved tasks, hours, rate and dates with you. It’s a chance to keep what works and change what doesn’t, within the terms of the new award. We’ll need to agree the delivery details before the next period of support starts.
Changing provider or considering private support?
If you’re moving to us, read about finding a worker and arranging a handover. You can also ask about privately paid support during a gap, with the work and costs agreed separately.
If you’re applying for the first time rather than renewing, use the application and waiting route.
Talk through your renewal questions
Let us know when your award ends and what you’d like help with.
Choose the renewal enquiry option to ask for help with the process or discuss your next support arrangement.