What is an Access to Work award letter?

When Access to Work decides on your funding, they’ll send you a letter. This might arrive by post or, less often, by email from your Case Manager. Access to Work may call it an award letter, decision letter, or grant letter – Brain in Hand call it your funding entitlement letter.

If you’re employed, your employer will receive their own version. You may get more than one letter if you have separate awards, such as one for software and equipment and another for a support worker. Your Case Manager may also include blank claim forms, or a copy of your Workplace Needs Assessment report (usually the recommendations and suppliers’ section).

If your letter hasn’t arrived

If it hasn’t arrived within two weeks, ask your Case Manager to resend it and email you a copy. If you don’t get a reply, phone the helpline.

What to check in your award letter

Read it carefully and confirm:

•    The date on the letter

•    What support has been awarded

•    How much access to work will pay

•    How much your employer must contribute (see What is Cost Share in our help centre)

•    How much you must contribute

•    Any items not awarded and the reasons why

•    The end date of your award

The letter usually also explains:

•    How to request a reconsideration if you disagree with the award

•    How to set up the online claims portal

•    How to make a complaint

You may also receive:

•    Paper claim forms

•    A copy of your workplace needs assessment report or recommendations section

If you disagree with the award

You can ask for a reconsideration within four weeks of the letter’s date. Follow the instructions in the letter or see our step-by-step guide to reconsiderations.

Keep your award letter safe

You may need it later to make claims or check your funding details.